Penstemon azureus
Azure penstemon
(c) Max Miley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Max Miley · licence
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Penstemon azureus (Azure penstemon) is a native California subshrub in the Plantaginaceae family.
Azure penstemon is a California native perennial herb found in rocky or forested habitats, with distributions across western mountain regions. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces stunning lavender-blue flowers approximately 20 to 35 millimeters long with a distinctive shape. Growing with erect stems 20 to 70 centimeters tall and woody branches at the base, it develops a glabrous (smooth) structure with an upright, robust form. Its cauline leaves are particularly notable, with upper leaves widest at a cordate-clasping base and presenting an entire leaf margin. The flower's inner anther sacs feature delicate hairy margins, adding intricate botanical detail to this elegant mountain species.
Habitat and range
California counties: Shasta, Fresno, Siskiyou, Butte, Tulare, El Dorado, Trinity, Humboldt, Nevada, Placer, Tehama, Del Norte, Madera, Sacramento, Lake, Mendocino, Colusa, Yuba, Alpine, Mariposa, Glenn, Plumas, Inyo
How to tell it apart
vs Epilobium: Penstemon has tubular two-lipped flowers with five stamens; Epilobium has four-petaled open flowers with eight stamens.; vs Keckiella: Penstemon is herbaceous and dies back; Keckiella has persistent woody stems year-round.; vs Salvia: Penstemon has five stamens (one sterile); Salvia has only two fertile stamens and square stems.; vs Ipomopsis: Penstemon has two-lipped tubular flowers; Ipomopsis has star-shaped flowers with five equal lobes.; vs Antirrhinum: Penstemon has a sterile stamen visible inside; Antirrhinum has only four stamens, none sterile.
Frequently asked questions
Is Penstemon azureus native to California?
Yes. Penstemon azureus is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Penstemon azureus grow?
Penstemon azureus occurs in Shasta, Fresno, Siskiyou, Butte, Tulare, El Dorado, Trinity, Humboldt and other counties.
What plant family does Penstemon azureus belong to?
Penstemon azureus is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Penstemon.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.