Penstemon fruticosus (Pursh) Greene subsp. scouleri (Dougl. ex Lindl) Pennell & D.D.Keck

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘Mr. Douglas considers this a species of Chelone; and it doubtless approaches that genus in the structure of its anthers, and very much agrees with the plant already figured in this work under the name of C. nemorosa: but we have already stated that species to be a very doubtful Chelone; and this we consider still more so.  It is distinguished from Chelone by the form of the palate of the flower, and by its angular seeds, circumstances which, taken together, are doubtless of more value than the single peculiarity of the anthers.

A native of the Kettle Falls of the Columbia, where it was found by Mr. Douglas.  In its native country it is half shrubby, and would be the same with us in warm situations: it is, however, best considered as a perennial.  It is very hardy, will grow in any soil, and propagates abundantly either by seeds or cuttings.  It blossoms in May and June, and is one of the handsomest border flowers of that season.

Gerardia fruticosa of Pursh is nearly related to this plant.  The species was named by Mr. Douglas in honour of Dr. Scouler, the companion of his voyage to the west coast of America, who has, we understand, been recently appointed to the chair of Natural History in the University of Glasgow.’   [BR f.1277/1829]. 

‘Though very unlike the ordinary state of P. Menziesii which is a much smaller plant with fewer flowers and much broader smaller […] leaves, there are so many intermediate states between them that it is impossible to challenge Asa Gray’s decision that they are one species.’  [BM t.6834 as P. Menziesii Scouleri]  Introduced to Britain in 1827.  [PD].

History at Camden Park

Seeds ordered from Hurst and McMullen, Seedsmen and Florists of London, on 8th April 1846.  [MP A2933-1 p.132].  This is the only record.

Notes