# Penstemon angustifolius

Penstemon angustifolius is a perennial semi-evergreen forb belonging to the plantain family. This species is 1 out of roughly 273 species of Penstemon. This species is also known as broadbeard beardtongue. This forb is native to central United States and can be noticed by its brightly and highly variable colored flowers.

## Description

Penstemon angustifolius is a herbaceous plant that can grow between 6 and 65 centimeters (2 and 26 in), but more often is 15 to 45 cm (6 to 18 in) tall. The stems are thick, waxy, and gray-green with somewhat woody bases.
Their basal leaves, those springing directly from the base of the plant, range from 25–90 millimeters in length and 2–18 mm in width, though they are usually longer than 40 mm. They have a leathery feel with a smooth, hairless surface, though occasionally they may be rough in texture. Leaf shapes vary between spatulate, spoon shaped, oblanceolate, like the head of a spear with a tapered base and end, or linear, narrow like a grass blade. The lowest cauline leaves, those attached to the stems, are similar to the basal leaves. The flowers can be a range of colors, from pink and blue to lavender which bloom from April to June.

## Distribution and habitat

This species is found in the west-central United States extending from Montana and North Dakota to Arizona, New Mexico, and Kansas. They can be found in the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. They are drought tolerant and live in sandy soil with good drainage. These plants grow near each other in groups that can be found at elevations of 1200–2200 m.

## Taxonomy

Penstemon angustifolius was scientifically described and named by Frederick Traugott Pursh, who credited Thomas Nuttall in his publication.

### Synonyms

Penstemon angustifolius has 7 synonyms of the species or one of its varieties.
Table of Synonyms :
| Name | Year | Rank | Synonym of: | Notes |
| Chelone angustifolia Steud. | 1821 | species | var. angustifolius | = het. not validly publ. |
| Chelone caerulea Spreng. | 1825 | species | var. angustifolius | = het. |
| Penstemon angustifolius subsp. caudatus (A.Heller) D.D.Keck | 1939 | subspecies | var. caudatus | ≡ hom. |
| Penstemon angustifolius subsp. venosus D.D.Keck | 1939 | subspecies | var. venosus | ≡ hom. |
| Penstemon caeruleus Nutt. | 1818 | species | P. angustifolius | ≡ hom. nom. superfl. |
| Penstemon caudatus A.Heller | 1898 | species | var. caudatus | ≡ hom. |
| Penstemon venosus (D.D.Keck) Reveal | 1974 | species | var. venosus | ≡ hom. |
| Notes: ≡ homotypic synonym ; = heterotypic synonym |||||

## Ecology

This plant is useful in preventing wind erosion in its native environment. Deer and insects are known to eat parts of the penstemon plant. Native bees especially enjoy this plant and the seeds are used by birds, rodents, ants and bees. Penstemon weevils are an observed herbivore of this plant.

## Culture and use

Penstemon angustifolius have been cultivated as early as the 1800s. Native Americans have been recorded to use the plant roots medicinally. Additionally the pigment from the petals has been used to paint moccasins by the Lokota. This plant can be used in landscaping and as a garden plant in xeriscaping situations.