Penstemon azureus var. angustissimus
Azure penstemon
(c) Max Miley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Max Miley · licence
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Penstemon azureus var. angustissimus (Azure penstemon) is a native California subshrub in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by linear leaves and long calyx tips distinguish from other varieties.
Azure penstemon is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges, northern Coast Ranges, Cascade Range, and northern Sierra Nevada in moist woodlands and open forests at elevations of 300 to 800 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces delicate blue to purple flowers with white or lavender hints. Growing with slender stems 30 to 60 centimeters tall, it forms an elegant upright structure. Its narrow linear leaves measure 4 to 9 centimeters long, creating a fine, delicate foliage texture. The flower calyx is 5 to 7.5 millimeters long with ovate lobes that taper to a distinctive pointed tip.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 39 sympatric species; linear leaves and long calyx tips distinguish from other varieties
Habitat and range
Habitat: Generally +- moist woodland, open forest
Elevation: 300-800 m
California counties: Mendocino, Butte, Tehama, Glenn, Yuba, Fresno, Humboldt, El Dorado, Amador, Tuolumne, Calaveras, Mariposa, Madera, Nevada, Sacramento, Shasta, Placer, Trinity
Bloom period
Penstemon azureus var. angustissimus blooms May-Aug.
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 var. angustissimus native to California?
Yes. Penstemon azureus var. angustissimus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Penstemon azureus var. angustissimus bloom?
Penstemon azureus var. angustissimus blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Penstemon azureus var. angustissimus grow?
Penstemon azureus var. angustissimus occurs in Mendocino, Butte, Tehama, Glenn, Yuba, Fresno, Humboldt, El Dorado and other counties, at elevations of 300-800 m.
What plant family does Penstemon azureus var. angustissimus belong to?
Penstemon azureus var. angustissimus is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Penstemon.
What habitat does Penstemon azureus var. angustissimus grow in?
Penstemon azureus var. angustissimus grows in Generally +- moist woodland, open forest.
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.