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Description
Penstemon Cyanocaulis, also known as Sierra Beardtongue, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. It is native to the western United States, particularly in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and can be found growing in rocky and dry habitats such as meadows, slopes, and ridges.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Penstemon |
Appearance
Penstemon Cyanocaulis usually grows up to 1-2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are green or gray-green in color, and can grow up to 4 inches long. The flowers are tubular in shape and usually grow in clusters at the top of the stems. They are usually blue-violet in color with a white throat, but can also be pink, purple, or lavender. The flowering season usually starts in late spring and lasts until early summer.
Care Guide
Penstemon Cyanocaulis is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant the Penstemon Cyanocaulis in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Penstemon Cyanocaulis is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Penstemon Cyanocaulis is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it may be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, make sure to keep the plant healthy and well-maintained, and avoid overwatering it.
Habitat
Penstemon Cyanocaulis is native to the western United States, particularly in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It can be found growing in rocky and dry habitats such as meadows, slopes, and ridges. The plant is adapted to the harsh conditions of its habitat, and is able to survive in poor soil and with limited water.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Penstemon Cyanocaulis a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Penstemon Cyanocaulis is a great plant for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Q: Can Penstemon Cyanocaulis grow in containers?
A: Yes, Penstemon Cyanocaulis can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should I prune Penstemon Cyanocaulis?
A: Pruning should be done in early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back the stems to about 6 inches from the ground to promote bushier growth and more flowers.
Q: How long does Penstemon Cyanocaulis bloom?
A: The flowering season usually starts in late spring and lasts until early summer.
Related Plants
- Penstemon Davidsonii
- Penstemon Procerus
- Penstemon Newberryi
- Penstemon Barbatus
References
- “Penstemon Cyanocaulis – Sierra Beardtongue.” Plant of the Week. US Forest Service. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/penstemon_cyanocaulis.shtml
- “Penstemon Cyanocaulis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e613
- “Penstemon Cyanocaulis (Sierra beardtongue).” Arizona State University. http://www.public.asu.edu/~camartin/plants/Plant%20html%20files/penstemoncyanocaulis.html
