prairie wildflower
Azure Penstemon
Penstemon azureus
Also known as Azure Beardtongue, Sky-blue Penstemon, Sky-blue Beardtongue
1 of 2Native to California and Oregon
Sierra foothills from Fresno county, north to southwestern Oregon
- Light Full sun Sun tolerance
- Moisture Dry Moisture preference
- Zones n/a Cold to heat range
- Bloom May–Sep Flowering time
- Height up to 2 ft to 0.6 m
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A prairie wildflower for full sun and lean, dry soil. Its blue and purple flowers peak in June. At up to 2 ft, it suits meadows and sunny borders.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
When it blooms
The Azure Penstemon's blue and purple flowers bloom May to September, peaking in June. This early-summer display draws bees.
Azure Penstemon blooms blue & purpleFoliage
Pollinators & wildlife
- Bees Yellow-faced Bumble Bee also Black-tailed Bumble Bee
Butterflies that use this plant
Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.
- Baltimore checkerspotcaterpillar host
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- PrairieThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- California and OregonUnited States (2): CA, OR. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Sierra foothills from Fresno county, north to southwestern OregonThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Full sunHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Moisture
- DryThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
- Soil
- Well-drained, dry soilThe soils it grows in naturally.
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 2 ft (to 0.6 m)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- May–SepWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- Blue, PurpleThe bloom color, or colors.
- Fruit/Seeds
- CapsuleThe seed or fruit it sets after flowering.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.