Etymology: Penstemon: from the Greek pente, "five," and stemon, "stamen," for the fifth stamen, referring to the staminode, or just an allusion to the fact that it has five stamens
Plants: erect, perennial, 1'-4' tall forb; stems shiny, smooth, purplish
Leaves: basal rosette of stalked leaves, stem leaves opposite and stalkless, all leaves with smooth undersides
Flowers: white often with some purple lines, 5-parted, 1/2"-1" long, tubular, the tube much longer than the flaring lobes but slightly shorter than the 5 stamens (1 infertile), throat open with a flat base; inflorescence a 4"-12" cluster with upward-pointing branches; blooms May-July
Habitat: full to partial sun; moderate moisture; prairies, fields, woods; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized

Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FAC- Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key