Yellow Penstemon
Penstemon confertus
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
Penstemon confertus is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Fairly moist open or wooded places, often in meadows or by streams, in lowland and foothills to moderate elevations in the Rockies. Dry sandy pinewoods.
Western N. America.
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 for a short time. If made too strong, it can have a purgative effect on the body.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 1
A strong decoction of the root is purgative. A decoction of the outer bark has been used in the treatment of stomach troubles. The roasted and powdered stems and leaves have been used as a dressing on sores, cuts and wounds.
Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.
Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating:
The flowers can be boiled and then rubbed on items to give them an indelible blue colouring.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
How it is grown
Succeeds in ordinary rich garden soils so long as they are well-drained. Succeeds in dry soils. Requires a position in full sun. Very cold hardy, but some protection from winter wet is beneficial for this plant. Plants are evergreen in mild winters.
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: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist