User:Bwads/Penstemon angustifolius

Penstemon angustifolius
Penstemon angustifolius Nutt. Ex Pursh is a perennial subshrub belonging to the plantain family. This species is 1 out of roughly 180 species of Penstemon. This species is also known as broadbeard and beardtongue. This subshrub is native to central United States and can be noticed by its brightly colored flowers.

Description
Penstemon angustifolius can grow between 4 to 24 inches tall. Their basal leaves range from 2-9.5 cm in length. This species stems are a thick, waxy, gray-green. 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 tolerate and live in sandy soil with good drainage. These plants grow near each other in groups that can be found at elevations from 1200-2200 m.

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
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.