Penstemon clevelandii

Penstemon clevelandii is a species in the Plantaginaceae (Plantain) family known by the common name Cleveland’s Beardtongue. It is native to southern California and Baja California, where it grows in mountain and desert habitat such as scrub, woodland, and chaparral. It is found primarily on the eastern slope of the Peninsular Range. It is a perennial herb with upright, branching stems 70 centimeters in maximum height. The thick leaves are oval in shape, sometimes toothed, 2-6 centimeters in length, and sometimes clasping or encircling the stem. The flower cluster produces tubular flowers with expanded, lipped mouths. The flower is pink to magenta in color, up to 2.4 centimeters in length, and somewhat hairy on the outer surface. The flowers are very attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Overall this is a very attractive, hardy plant for inland southern gardens.