Small-Flowered Penstemon, Littleflower penstemon, Pincushion beardtongue, Tolmie's penstemon
Penstemon procerus
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
Penstemon procerus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.4
Where it is found
Dry plains, prairies and open or wooded slopes at low to fairly high elevations.
North-western N. America - Alaska to Oregon, east to Wyoming and Colorado.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
A tea-like beverage is made by boiling the dried leaves and stems.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in ordinary rich garden soils so long as they are well-drained. Succeeds in dry soils. Prefers a position in full sun. Although very cold hardy, this species does not like winter wet and therefore is best given some protection in the winter or a position such as at the foot of a dry wall.
Propagating it: Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in late spring. Alternatively, the seed can be sown in early summer in a greenhouse, the seedlings overwintered in the greenhouse and then planted out in the following spring. Division in autumn. Cuttings can be taken throughout the growing season, though August/September is best.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist