Description

Bridge penstemon grows at mid to high elevations in the mountains of the Southwest. In California one encounters this ornate beardtongue in the southern Sierra Nevadas, the Transverse and Peninsular Ranges, growing in typical rocky substrate. Bridge penstemon forms a rounded perennial of dull-green linear leaves. Its red bloom is late for a penstemon, occurring in mid to late summer. The tubular flowers are narrow and downward facing, accommodating hummingbirds, their primary pollinator. Plant in medium to well-draining soil and provide occasional water once established. At lower elevations, this and most other montane penstemon species should be considered experimental.