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Penstemon osterhoutii
Penstemon osterhoutii (Penstemon)
Scrophulariaceae (Snapdragon Family)

Semi-desert, foothills. Openings, woodlands.  Spring.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, April 30, 2005 and May 13, 2004.

Light green, clasping, nearly vertical leaves and flared-back flower lips are characteristics of this rare Penstemon.  The basal leaves over-winter and are quite evident as one walks trails in the early spring.  Flower color varies from lilac to pink.  The plant is found only in Colorado in six western counties.

George Osterhout was an amateur naturalist who collected extensively in Colorado. (More biographical information.)

Penstemon osterhoutii
Penstemon osterhoutii (Penstemon)
Scrophulariaceae (Snapdragon Family)

Semi-desert, foothills. Openings, woodlands.  Spring.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, May 8, 2009.

Penstemon osterhoutii
Penstemon osterhoutii (Penstemon)
Scrophulariaceae (Snapdragon Family)

Semi-desert, foothills. Openings, woodlands.  Spring.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, May 8, 2009.

Penstemon osterhoutii
Penstemon osterhoutii (Penstemon)
Scrophulariaceae (Snapdragon Family)

Semi-desert, foothills. Openings, woodlands.  Spring.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, April 30, 2005.

Range map © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Eradicated
Questionable presence

Range map for Penstemon osterhoutii