[Illustration: Pentstemon pseudospectabilis
Pentstemon fendleri]
Common names: PENTSTEMON, BEARDTONGUE
Arizona desert: (_Pentstemon pseudospectabilis_). Rose-purple.
April-July.
California desert. (Pentstemon thurberi). Blue-purple. April-June.
Texas desert: (_Pentstemon fendleri_). Blue-purple. April-June.
Figwort family. Size: Perennial herbs from a few inches high to 3 feet
or more tall.
Widespread through the Southwest at nearly all elevations, the
Penstemons are conspicuous herbs or small shrubs with showy flowers that
attract attention and admiration when they are in bloom in the spring
and early summer on the desert.