Description

This is another species from the Sierra Nevada and Klammath Mountains, though its range extends into Oregon. The lance-shaped leaves rise to about 6 inches. Their dense growth and rich green color remind one of bunch grass. The clump will expand with time. The flower panicles increase the height to about a foot, displaying whirls of lavender flowers. Rydberg's penstemon is one of very few penstemon that have adapted to a moist environment. Any soil is acceptable as long as regular water is provided. This make it an ideal candidate for growth in a pot. This approach has the advantage of minimizing water usage. Rydberg's penstemon is a nectar source for our local variable checkerspot butterfly and many other butterfly species. Also unusual for a penstemon, Rydberg's penstemon is winter deciduous.