​Narrow-Leaved Penstemon, Broadbeard Beardtongue,Penstemon angustifolius,Plantain Family (Plantaginaceae)

Found in sandy areas, vacant lots, roadsides
Seen blooming in May near Arroyo Trujillo

Penstemon is a genus of about 250 species. The flowers are tubular with two lips; the upper lip is two-lobed and the lower is three-lobed. The common name beardtongue comes from the long, hairy stamen which extends from the throat, like a fuzzy tongue from an open mouth. Narrow-leaved Penstemon grows between 1 and 2 feet tall with stout stems and fleshy, narrow leaves which have a lighter-colored mid-vein. Stems and leaves are light green and hairless. The flowers are lavender to bright blue and grow all around the stem. The beardtongue has orange hairs on its tip. The Lakota people used the flowers to make blue dye for painting moccasins.
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