Penstemon (Scrophulariaceae) is a common western genus of plants. Most of my work has focused on Penstemon centranthifolius (see photos below, taken at Cajon Pass, San Bernardino County), a short-lived perennial of the chaparral and coastal mountains of California which is pollinated by bees and hummingbirds. I also am initiating studies on Penstemon digitalis in North Eastern Ohio. Make sure to see the Penstemon website for more information on this fascinating group of plants!
Summit field site
Female hummingbird (anna's or costa's) visiting P.centranthifolius at summit
R Mitchell sampling nectar near Idyllwild CA.
PUBLICATIONS involving Penstemon
1993. Mitchell, RJ & RG Shaw. Inheritance of floral characters in the perennial wildflower Penstemon centranthifolius (Scrophulariaceae):clones and crosses. Heredity 71:185-192
