Penstemon laxiflorus

Penstemons are such an interesting group of plants. I’ve come to really enjoy seeing the spikes of flowers arrive on them in the spring garden each year. Loose-Flowered Penstemon, which is also known as Nodding Penstemon, is found in the Southwestern US with the limit of its northwestern range extending into Oklahoma. Its slightly nodding tubular blooms show pastel coloring of pale pink, purple, white and lavender. You see a bit of yellow-orange because of its “beard” (5th sterile stamen). Purple lines on the inside of the flower’s lower lip guide pollinators to the nectar inside. Loose-Flowered Penstemon makes a great perennial throughout Oklahoma and brings butterflies and hummingbirds into the garden.