Penstemon serrulatus

Cascade Penstemon, Beard Tongue
Penstemon Serrulatus
Type: Native Shrubby Perennial
Exposure: Sun / Light Shade
Water: Drought Tolerant, but prefers Regular Water

This local native is often seen near stream edges and in meadows.  Growing to 30in (75cm) high,  it’s a woody perennial that produces narrowly lance-shaped leaves and bright cowbell-shaped flowers in late spring or early summer. The flowers are in a cluster at the top of the flower stalk, and can vary between bright blue to indigo in color. Like all penstemons, each flower contains 5 stamens, one of which is sometimes bearded and protrudes from the lipped flower like a tongue. This is where it gets the somewhat odd common name “Beard Tongue.” It’s a good candidate for naturalizing in a native woodland setting.

Cheers,

John