Whipple'S Penstemon
ExplorePlants
Whipple'S Penstemon
penstemon whippleanus
Whipple's Penstemon (Penstemon whippleanus), also known as Whipple's beardtongue, is a striking perennial wildflower native to the high-elevation regions of the western United States. Found gracing rocky subalpine slopes and alpine meadows, this resilient plant is famous for its distinctive, drooping clusters of deep purple to almost black, bell-shaped flowers. It plays a vital role in its montane ecosystem, providing crucial nectar for native bees and hummingbirds during the brief summer blooming season. Renowned for its ability to thrive in harsh, rocky soils where other plants struggle, it is a favorite among native plant enthusiasts and rock gardeners.
Habitat: Found in subalpine and alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and open coniferous forests of the western United States.
Appearance
This herbaceous perennial typically grows between 20 to 60 cm tall, forming clumps of lance-shaped, green leaves at the base. Its most identifying feature is the nodding, tubular flowers clustered at the top of upright stems. The blossoms are usually a deep dusky purple, wine-red, or deep lavender, though creamy white variants occasionally occur. The lower lip of the tubular flower is famously hairy inside—a characteristic that gives 'beardtongues' their name—and often features delicate white or lighter-colored guide lines to direct pollinators.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyPlantaginaceaeGenusPenstemon
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
The common name 'beardtongue' refers to the sterile stamen, which is heavily bearded with fine hairs, aiding in pollination.
This species was named in honor of Lieutenant Amiel Weeks Whipple, an American military officer and surveyor who led expeditions in the West.
While dark purple is the classic color for Whipple's Penstemon, entirely white or pale cream-colored flowers can occasionally be found in the same populations.
Special abilities
Ability
High-Altitude Resilience
Adapted to withstand intense ultraviolet radiation, strong winds, and freezing temperatures characteristic of subalpine environments.
Ability
Hairy Nectar Guides
Possesses a fuzzy, sterile stamen (the 'beardtongue') that assists pollinators in positioning themselves while feeding.
Ability
Drought Tolerance
Utilizes a deep, fibrous root system to access moisture deep within gravelly, well-draining soils.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 20-60 cm
- Lifespan
- 3-10 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photoautotrophic plant, Whipple's Penstemon generates its own energy through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon Dioxide
- Soil Minerals
Ecological connections
mutualism
Two-form Bumblebee
Bombus bifarius
Pollinated primarily by native bumblebees searching for nectar.
host plant
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Anicia Checkerspot
Euphydryas anicia
Serves as a host plant for the caterpillars of this western butterfly.
eaten by
Bighorn Sheep
Ovis canadensis
Occasionally browsed by high-altitude herbivores when other food is scarce.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Whipple'S Penstemon?
The easiest way to identify Whipple'S Penstemon is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Whipple'S Penstemon?
20-60 cm
How long does Whipple'S Penstemon live?
3-10 years
What does Whipple'S Penstemon eat?
As a photoautotrophic plant, Whipple's Penstemon generates its own energy through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
Where is Whipple'S Penstemon usually found?
Found in subalpine and alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and open coniferous forests of the western United States.
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Where to spot
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