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| Wasatch Beardtongue or Penstemon, May 31, 2014, David Kenison. Click to enlarge. |
Other names: Wasatch Penstemon, Blue-Anthered Penstemon, Platte River Penstemon.
Belongs to the Figwort Family (Scrophulariaceae).
The Wasatch Beardtongue or Penstemon is one of the most attractive springtime wildflowers. The bushy plants sport rich clusters of snapdragon-like flowers that range from violet and light blue to a deep sky blue. The flowers grow densely on clusters of vertical stems that can be 2 feet high. The flowers are up to an inch long, and have a distinctive 2 lobes above and 3 below.
The unusual name "beardtongue" comes from the 5th stamen, which is sterile and covered with hairs, often protruding at the base of the flower like a tongue (as seen in the image above).
The leaves of the plant are oval or lance-shaped, up to 4" long, both basal and along the stem.
These photos were taken by the author along the Mount Olympus trail on May 31, 2013. Click to enlarge.
Additional links:
USDA description
Utah Wildflowers description
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