Penstemon procerus var. brachyanthus
Pincushion beardtongue
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson · licence
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Penstemon procerus var. brachyanthus (Pincushion beardtongue) is a native California subshrub in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by montane meadow habitat and larger size distinguish from var. formosus.
Pincushion beardtongue is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges and northern Coast Ranges in montane meadows at elevations of 1,300 to 2,400 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces lavender to purple flowers in delicate clusters along its slender stems. Growing 10 to 40 centimeters tall with an upright, compact form, it has thin, branching stems that emerge from a dense base. Its leaves are narrow, ranging from 10 to 45 millimeters long and 3 to 10 millimeters wide, with upper leaves becoming progressively smaller and more closely spaced along the stem.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 30 sympatric species; montane meadow habitat and larger size distinguish from var. formosus
Habitat and range
Habitat: Montane meadows
Elevation: 1300-2400 m
Outside California: Oregon
Bloom period
Penstemon procerus var. brachyanthus blooms Jul-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 procerus var. brachyanthus native to California?
Yes. Penstemon procerus var. brachyanthus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Penstemon procerus var. brachyanthus bloom?
Penstemon procerus var. brachyanthus blooms Jul-Aug.
What plant family does Penstemon procerus var. brachyanthus belong to?
Penstemon procerus var. brachyanthus is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Penstemon.
What habitat does Penstemon procerus var. brachyanthus grow in?
Penstemon procerus var. brachyanthus grows in Montane meadows.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Penstemon procerus var. formosus — Pincushion beardtongue
- Penstemon pseudospectabilis — Desert penstemon
- Penstemon pseudospectabilis ssp. pseudospectabilis — desert beardtongue
- Penstemon purpusii — Snow mountain beardtongue
- Penstemon rattanii — Rattan's beardtongue
- Penstemon rattanii var. kleei — Santa cruz mountains beardtongue
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.