Penstemon pahutensis
Pahute beardtongue
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon · licence
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Penstemon pahutensis (Pahute beardtongue) is a native California herb in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by no sympatric species.
Pahute beardtongue is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native perennial found in the northeastern Mojave Desert Mountains, specifically the Grapevine Mountains, in sagebrush scrub and pinyon-juniper woodland at elevations of 1,900 to 2,300 meters. Flowering in June, this plant produces blue-violet flowers with a yellow or white-hairy throat, creating a distinctive visual display against its glaucous foliage. Growing 15 to 35 centimeters tall with an upright, glabrous stem, it develops linear to narrowly lanceolate leaves extending 30 to 100 millimeters long. Its leaves are entire, presenting a clean, streamlined appearance characteristic of desert adapted plants. The flower's staminode is notably covered in dense golden-yellow hairs, adding a striking textural element to its delicate blue-violet blossoms.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; no sympatric species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sagebrush scrub, pinyon/juniper woodland
Elevation: 1900-2300 m
Outside California: Nevada
Bloom period
Penstemon pahutensis blooms Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
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 pahutensis native to California?
Yes. Penstemon pahutensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Penstemon pahutensis bloom?
Penstemon pahutensis blooms Jun.
What plant family does Penstemon pahutensis belong to?
Penstemon pahutensis is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Penstemon.
Is Penstemon pahutensis rare or endangered?
Penstemon pahutensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S1.
What habitat does Penstemon pahutensis grow in?
Penstemon pahutensis grows in Sagebrush scrub, pinyon/juniper woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.