Penstemon procerus

Small-flowered Penstemon

Small-flowered Penstemon
Moderately tall for a penstemon the P. procerus var. procerus may grow to 1.5′ (40 cm), however, the variety tolmiei, the likely variety here, are smaller, 2″ – 8″ tall. The creamy white or deep blue-purple flowers are in dense clusters arranged in whorls around the tip of the stem. The two petals in the upper lip flare up while the three lower petals bend down to form an open mouth on the tubular flowers which are about 1/2″. Usually found on pumice flats, rocky areas and in meadows 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:

procerus means 'tall'
Photo location: From several locations including Berkeley Park. Paradise Glacier Trail (Mountain in background), Skyline Trail near Golden Gate and WLT near St. Andrews Lake.