Dusty Penstemon

Dusty Penstemon is a perennial wildflower also known as dusty beardtongue owing to the long, hairy stamens that extend from the throat of each flower.  It is native only to the Four Corners states and a small portion of Nevada, growing in open woodlands between 5,500 and 9,000 feet.  Its pale lavender/bluish flowers are on long, slender stems from 1 to 4 feet tall.  There are over 200 Penstemon species and, while it is easy to recognize a penstemon, it can sometimes be difficult to identify individual species.  Dusty Penstemon attracts pollinators, mainly bees, and is a good addition to a native wildflower garden.  Once it is established it is drought tolerant and low maintenance.