Penstemon rattanii
Rattan's beardtongue
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Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Penstemon rattanii (Rattan's beardtongue) is a native California herb in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by distinctive leaf shape widest at base.
Rattan's beardtongue is a California native perennial found in rocky and chaparral habitats across the state's mountain regions. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces striking blue-violet flowers with white interiors, each 20 to 30 millimeters long with a dramatically expanded throat. Growing 25 to 120 centimeters tall with nearly smooth green stems, it develops thin, narrowly elliptic leaves that are 25 to 140 millimeters long with slightly toothed edges. Its leaves are mostly equal in size between the basal and cauline regions, with a distinctive rounded to truncate base where they are widest. The plant features a yellow-hairy staminode, adding to its distinctive appearance in its native habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; distinctive leaf shape widest at base
Habitat and range
California counties: Humboldt, Del Norte, Mendocino, Trinity
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 rattanii native to California?
Yes. Penstemon rattanii is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Penstemon rattanii grow?
Penstemon rattanii occurs in Humboldt, Del Norte, Mendocino, Trinity.
What plant family does Penstemon rattanii belong to?
Penstemon rattanii is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Penstemon.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Penstemon rattanii var. kleei — Santa cruz mountains beardtongue
- Penstemon rattanii var. rattanii — Rattan's beardtongue
- Penstemon roezlii — Regel's mountain penstemon
- Penstemon rostriflorus — Beaked penstemon
- Penstemon rupicola — Cliff beardtongue
- Penstemon rydbergii var. oreocharis — Herbaceous penstemon
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.