Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Penstemon pseudospectabilis is a species in the Plantaginaceae (Plantain) family known by the common name Desert Beardtongue or Desert Penstemon. It is native to the southwestern United States, where it grows in desert and plateau habitat types, such as sandy washes, scrub, and woodland. In California it is found primarily in the Mojave Desert. The plant is generally a shrub growing to a maximum height of one meter, with many erect stems. The thin leaves are roughly oval with wide pointed tips and serrated edges. They are arranged oppositely in pairs and many pairs are completely fused at the bases about the stem, forming a disc. The flower cluster bears tubular flowers with expanded, lobed mouths and hairy hairs on most surfaces, except the hairless staminode. The flower may be up to 2.5 centimeters long and is reddish pink in color.

Like most Penstemons, this species is very showy when in flower. Though native to hot, arid locations it is adaptable to most of southern California and is tolerant of garden conditions. give it plenty of sun and fast drainage, When in bloom it will be constantly in use by bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

1 - 3 ft Tall
3 ft Wide

Growth rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Evergreen

Fragrance

Slight

Calscape icon
Color

Pink, Red

Flowering season

Spring

Special uses

Containers

Sun

Full Sun

Water

Very Low

Summer irrigation

Max 2x / month once established

Ease of care

Moderate

Cold tolerance

Tolerates cold to 15° F

Soil drainage

Fast

Soil description

Rocky, sandy, gravelly.
Soil PH: 6.0 - 8.0

Maintenance

Deadheading will induce additional flowering. Dried seed heads can be sprinkled around to spread seed, or saved and propagated as described below.

Propagation

For propagating by seed: 1 mo. stratification ( Plants of the Southwest 1986 ).

Sunset Zones

10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

Site type

Gravelly or rocky places, usually mountain or high desert

Plant communities

Creosote Bush Scrub

Can be used with a variety of native plants including many not found in its native range, such as Manzanitas (Arctostaphylos spp.), Ceanothus spp., Brittlebush (Encelia spp.), Lupine (Lupinus spp.), California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica), Dudleya spp., and various cactus species.

Hummingbirds
Bats
Birds
Bees
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 10 likely

Confirmed Likely

Geranium Plume Moth

Amblyptilia pica

Archirhoe neomexicana

Verbena Bud Moth

Endothenia hebesana

Anicia Checkerspot

Euphydryas anicia