Sunday, August 26, 2007

Penstemon (Shrubby & Small Flowered)

"Shrubby Penstemon" (Penstemon fruticosus)

2008 May 28


2008 May 28

2008 May 28

2008 May 28

2008 May 28

This plant is not only pleasing to the eye but very useful as well. It was used by First Nations people to make a dye, as a flavour enhancer for root veggies, and medicinally: as a purgative, as a treatment for ulcers, to bathe sore eyes, and to sooth the aches of rheumatism and arthritis.



"Small-Flowered Penstemon" (Penstemon procerus)

2008 May 31
Shown with old seed pod.

2008 May 31
Old seed pod up close.

2007 June 18

2007 June 19

2007 June 20

This flower is one that doesn't look like much from afar but get up close and it really is quite amazing both in color and shape of flower. It grows in little clusters that look quite raggedy when they finish blooming. You could well pass them by so be on the look out.

1 comment:

Being Mrs Miles said...

I think it's delightful to name the soft and fuzziest plant parts with kitty names... eg pussy willows, pussytoes and catkins. I'll bet looong ago people found many uses for them. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

S. Cis