Categories
Herbs & Plants

Penstemon Grandiflorus

Botanical Name:Penstemon grandiflorus
Family : Scrophulariaceae
Genus : Penstemon
Species :  Penstemon grandiflorus Nutt.
Kingdom : Plantae
Subkingdom : Tracheobionta
Superdivision : Spermatophyta
Division:Magnoliophyta
Class : Magnoliopsida
Subclass:  Asteridae
Order : Scrophulariales

Synonyms: Penstemon bradburii

Common Name :Large beardtongue,Showy Beardtongue, Pink Beardtongue, Shell-leaf Beardtongue, Canterbury Bells, and Wild Foxglove.

Habitat : Native to U.S.

Description:
Penstemon grandiflorus is a perennial plant. Large, lavender, horizontally arranged, tubular flowers on a smooth stem above opposite, blue-green, clasping leaves and in axils of similar leafy bracts. This perennial’s stout, unbranched stems, 2-3 ft. tall, bear opposite, blue-green, waxy leaves and pink to bluish-lavender, tubular flowers. The large flowers extend horizontally on short stalks from the axils of leafy bracts near top of stem.

click & see the pictures

This handsome plant is especially spectacular when growing in masses. It occasionally escapes from cultivation in the East. At least 15 species of Penstemon occur in eastern North America, and there are many more in the West.

Cultivation Details:
Large-flowered Beardtongue (Penstemon grandiflorus) prefers full sun to partial shade, dry mesic to dry conditions, and poor soil containing rocky material or sand. When Penstemon grandiflorus is a mature plant it can reach heights of 2-3 ft. Large-flowered Beardtongue has shades of pink to purple flowers and blooms from May to June.

This plant is endangered in some states and is typically rare to see in the wild. Bumblebees like to visit the flowers for nectar and this plant is well liked by birds. Penstemon grandiflorus is one of the showiest of all Penstemons! In the past Native Americans treated toothaches by chewing the root pulp of this plant and then placing it in the cavity. Large-flowered Beardtongue is loved by the hummingbirds and is drought tolerant.

Medicinal Uses:
The Dakota used a decoction of roots to treat chest pains and the Kiowa to treat stomachaches.   The Pawnee used a tea made of the leaves to treat fever and chills. The roots were chewed to a pulp and placed it in a cavity to relieve toothache pain.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_AB.htm
http://www.prairiemoon.com/seeds/wildflowers-forbs/penstemon-grandiflorus-large-flowered-beardtongue/?cat=249
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PEGR7
http://www.prairienursery.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_seed_info&cPath=64_1&products_id=119
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penstemon_grandiflorus

Enhanced by Zemanta
css.php