familyPlantaginaceae
genusPenstemon
subgenusPenstemon subg. Penstemon
sectionPenstemon sect. Coerulei
speciesPenstemon angustifolius
Penstemon angustifolius var. caudatus
Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 33: 151. 1906. (as Pentstemon)
IllustratedEndemic
Basionym: Penstemon caudatus A. Heller Minnesota Bot. Stud. 2: 34. 1898
Stems (10–)15–60(–65) cm, glabrous, rarely scabrous. Cauline leaves 3–8 pairs, blade ovate to lanceolate. Thyrses: proximal bracts ovate to lanceolate. Flowers: corolla blue, rarely lavender or pink, 13–20(–22) mm. 2n = 16.
Phenology: Flowering May–Jun.
Habitat: Sandy or gravelly soils, shortgrass prairies, sagebrush shrublands.
Elevation: 1200–2600 m.
Distribution
Colo., Kans., Nebr., N.Mex., Okla., S.Dak., Wyo.
Discussion
Variety caudatus is known from the southwestern Great Plains. While mostly distinct in the southern and central parts of its range, the variety passes into var. angustifolius in northeastern Colorado and western Nebraska.
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
None.