Penstemon speciosus Dougl. ex Lindl.

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘A fine perennial species, native of the banks of the Spokan river, in North-west America, whence it was sent by Mr. Douglas to the Horticultural Society in 1827.  It flowered in the Chiswick Garden from June to September: our drawing was made in July.  In consequence of the great number of flowering stems and flowers which this plant produces, it increases little by the root, so that its propagation will depend upon the saving its seeds, which are brought forth in abundance.  It is quite hardy, and grows in common garden soil.’  [BR f.1270/1829]. 

‘Dry plains and hillsides, mostly confined to the Arid Transition Zone; central Washington to southern California, mostly east of the Cascade- Sierran axis, east to Idaho and Utah. Type locality: Spokane River, May-July.’  [An Illustrated Flora of the Pacific States vol.3, p.753].

History at Camden Park

Seeds were ordered from Warner & Warner, Seedsmen and Florists, Cornhill, on 8th April 1846.  [MP A2933-1 p.131].  This is the only record.

Notes

Penstemon glaber Pursh is considered by some to be synonymous with Penstemon speciosus Dougl. ex Lindl., and is found in the central and southern states of the USA. ‘Gravelly or alluvial banks, at altitudes of 1,200 to 2,100 (3,150) meters; Subboreal (Submontane) Zone (probably rarely ascending to Alpine Zone); flowering from early June to early August.  High plains and foothills in drainage of Missouri River, south to Albany County, Wyoming.  North Dakota to western Nebraska and central Wyoming.’  [Contributions from the United States National Herbarium vol. 20, p.348/1917-25].  It has also been located as far south as the Mexican border and its range is contiguous with that of Penstemon speciosus.