Penstemon spectabilis
Introduction '''''Penstemon spectabilis''''' is a species of penstemon known by the common name '''showy penstemon''' or '''showy beardtongue'''. It is native to  southern California and Baja California, where it grows in the chaparral, scrub, and woodlands of the coastal mountain ranges.
Description ''Penstemon spectabilis'' is a perennial herb growing erect to a maximum height often exceeding one meter. The thin leaves are lance-shaped to oval, serrated on the edges, and up to 10 centimeters in length. The oppositely arranged pairs may fuse about the stem at the bases. The inflorescence bears wide-mouthed tubular purple-blue flowers which may be over 3 centimeters long. The throat is lighter in color, lavender to nearly white, and hairless inside. Flowers bloom April to June.This plant is often a pioneer species in habitat recently disturbed. It is pollinated by wasps such as ''Pseudomasaris vespoides'', as well as by hummingbirds.
Taxonomy === Varieties ===* '''''Penstemon spectabilis''''' ''var. '''spectabilis'''''   The nominate variety. The inflorescence is glabrous (lacking hair). This variety is distributed across the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains, and the Peninsular Ranges from California to Mexico, reaching its southern distribution at northwest the foothills of the Sierra de San Pedro Martir in Baja California. * '''''Penstemon spectabilis''''' var. '''''subinteger'''''    A variety endemic to Baja California, commonly known as the '''Peninsular showy beardtongue''', found from the vicinity of San Telmo and San Quintin south to the Bahia de Los Angeles. * '''''Penstemon spectabilis''''' var. '''''subvicosus'''''    This variety has a glandular inflorescence. Native to the Transverse Ranges of California. ''Penstemon spectabilis''
References
External links ** Jepson Manual Treatment - ''Penstemon spectabilis''* ''Penstemon spectabilis'' - Photo gallery