Penstemon (Scrophulariaceae) is a common western genus of plants. Most of my work has focused on Penstemon centranthifolius (see photos below, taken at Cajon Pass, San Bernardino County), a short-lived perennial of the chaparral and coastal mountains of California which is pollinated by bees and hummingbirds. I also am initiating studies on Penstemon digitalis in North Eastern Ohio. Make sure to see the Penstemon website for more information on this fascinating group of plants!
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- R. Mitchell sampling nectar near Idyllwild, CA
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- Summit field site
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- Female hummingbird (anna’s or costa’s) visiting P.centranthifolius at summit
PUBLICATIONS involving Penstemon
1993. Mitchell, RJ & RG Shaw. Inheritance of floral characters in the perennial wildflower Penstemon centranthifolius (Scrophulariaceae):clones and crosses. Heredity 71:185-192
- Mitchell, RJ. Is Penstemon centranthifolius truly hummingbird pollinated? Crossosoma 15(6):19.