Description

This rare penstemon is native to the eastern side of the Peninsular Ranges in Riverside and San Diego Counties. The waxy gray-green leaves are large, clasping and lance shaped. The generous flowers are magenta., held above the leaves on tall panicles. San Jacinto beardtongue accepts partial shade and regular water, but must have lean, well-draining soil. Incidentally, penstemon are also called "beardtongue" because of the hairy staminode (sterile stamen) that extends from the center of the flower.