Nothochelone nemorosa

Woodland Penstemon

Woodland Penstemon
aka Turtlehead, Woodland Beardtongue, Penstemon Nemorosus. Not actually a penstemon. Formally in the Penstemon genus, thus the Figwort Family, this species (the only one in Nothochelone) has a specialized disk that is absent in true penstemons. The rather exotic bright magenta flowers form flattened tubes that are 1″ – 1 1/2″ (3 – 4 cm) long. The turtle-like appearance is a function of imagination. The stem, which grows somewhat laterally, contains saw-toothed leaves up 4″ long. Common in shady places to 6,000′ elevation.

Family:

Plantaginaceae - PLANTAIN FAMILY

Genus:

Nothochelone means 'false turtle'

Species:

nemorosa means 'of the woods'
Photo location: From several locations including Glacier Basin and Mazama Ridge trails, Crystal Peak trail, Spray Park trail and Little Ranger Creek.