Penstemon janishiae
Janish's beardtongue, Janish's Beardtongue
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger · licence
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Penstemon janishiae (Janish's beardtongue) is a native California subshrub in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by CNPS 2B.2, distinctive coiled exserted staminode and habitat specificity.
Janish's beardtongue is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in northern Sierra Nevada Mountains and Modoc Plateau in sagebrush scrub, juniper savanna, and yellow-pine forest at elevations of 1,350 to 2,350 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces pink to dull purple flowers with blue-tinged lobes, approximately 18 to 28 millimeters long with a wide, distinctive throat. Growing with short stems 8 to 25 centimeters tall, the plant has backward-pointing hairs and an upright, compact form. Its leaves range from 20 to 60 millimeters long, with well-developed basal leaves and lance-shaped cauline leaves that are entire or slightly toothed. The staminode is notably exserted, coiled at the tip, and densely covered in orange-yellow hairs, adding to the plant's distinctive appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 32 sympatric species; CNPS 2B.2, distinctive coiled exserted staminode and habitat specificity
Habitat and range
Habitat: Generally igneous-clay soils in sagebrush scrub, juniper/shrub savanna, yellow-pine forest
Elevation: 1350-2350 m
California counties: Modoc, Plumas, Lassen
Outside California: to Oregon, Idaho, Nevada
Bloom period
Penstemon janishiae blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
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 janishiae native to California?
Yes. Penstemon janishiae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Penstemon janishiae bloom?
Penstemon janishiae blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Penstemon janishiae grow?
Penstemon janishiae occurs in Modoc, Plumas, Lassen, at elevations of 1350-2350 m.
What plant family does Penstemon janishiae belong to?
Penstemon janishiae is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Penstemon.
Is Penstemon janishiae rare or endangered?
Penstemon janishiae carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.