Penstemon buckleyi

Stems ascending to erect, 15–55 (–82) cm, glabrous. Leaves basal and cauline, glabrous; basal and proximal cauline 19–116 (–150) × 3–23 (–31) mm, blade spatulate to oblanceolate, base tapered, apex rounded to obtuse, acute, or mucronate; cauline 3–9 pairs, sessile, 20–95 × 10–30 mm, blade ovate to lanceolate, base clasping to cordate-clasping, apex acute. Thyrses interrupted, cylindric, (4–) 10–35 (–57) cm, axis glabrous, verticillasters 4–20 (–35), cymes (2 or) 3–5 (–11) -flowered; proximal bracts orbiculate to ovate, 15–70 × 5–31 mm; peduncles and pedicels glabrous. Flowers: calyx lobes ovate, 3.5–6 × 1.5–2.5 mm, margins entire or erose, broadly scarious, glabrous; corolla lavender to bluish lavender or pinkish blue, with reddish or reddish purple nectar guides, tubular-funnelform, (12–) 14–20 mm, glabrous externally, glabrous internally, tube 5–7 mm, throat gradually inflated, 4–6 mm diam., rounded abaxially; stamens included, pollen-sacs opposite, 0.8–1.2 mm, sutures papillate; staminode 7–9 mm, included or reaching orifice, 0.8–0.9 mm diam., tip recurved, distal 3–5 mm moderately to densely villous, hairs golden yellow, to 1.5 mm; style 9–11 mm. Capsules 12–18 (–20) × 7–11 mm. 2n = 16.

Phenology: Flowering Apr–Jun.
Habitat: Sandy soils, sand, sandsage, or mixed-grass prairies.
Elevation: 400–1300 m.

Colo., Kans., Nebr., N.Mex., Okla., Tex.

Discussion

Penstemon buckleyi frequently is found on aeolian sands of dune fields associated with the major streams of the southern Great Plains; it also occurs on alluvial sands and sandstone-derived soils. It has been documented in Banner and Platte counties, Nebraska, well north of its native range; those plants probably represent roadside introductions (R. B. Kaul et al. 2006).

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa