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Penstemon rupicola

Cliff Penstemon

Cliff Penstemon
aka Rock Penstemon, Cliff Beardtongue. A dazzling display of color against bare rock. P. rupicola forms dense shrubby mats not more than 6″ (15 cm) tall with evergreen leaves. The tubular flowers are 1″ – 1.5″ long and are brillant possessing almost a neon pink color. Woody branches have small, 1/3″ – 2/3″, leaves which are round or oval, leathery, glaucous and gray-green in color. Usually found on rock ledges and outcrops at between 5,000′ to 8,000′ elevation.

Family:

Plantaginaceae - PLANTAIN FAMILY

Genus:

Penstemon from Greek pente 'five' and stemon 'thread' ref. to 5 stamens

Species:

rupicola means 'found growing on rocks or cliffs
Photo location: From two locations outside the park, Kelly Butte and Noble Knob, and the west side of Naches Peak near the summit (last photo).