Sierra Wild Flowers - Lake Tahoe
  wildflower photo    Scientific Name: Penstemon Speciosus
   Common Name: Showy Penstemon
   Family: Figwort
   Color: Blue to soft Violet

 

Description: The flower is a 1 to 1 1/2 inch two-lipped tube, the upper lip divided in two, the lower in three. The lower lip has two whitish landing strips with faint purple veins. The stamens hug the inside walls of the tube allowing bees easy entry.

Habitat: Exposed rocky slopes and summits.

Comments: The flowers of this penstemon are "showy" not only for their large size, but for their dazzling color. Watch bees disappear into the flower tube to probe for nectar.

wildflower photo

wildflower photo

wildflower photo