Rydberg’s Penstemon

Penstemon rydbergii

purple flower clusters atop reddish stems

Photo Credit: Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte, Bugwood.org

Photo Credit: Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte, Bugwood.org

whole plant with basal leaves and purple flowers atop stem

Photo Credit: Image Number: 5004004 Rydberg's penstemon (Penstemon rydbergii A. Nels.) A. Nels. Photographer:Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte Descriptor:Plant(s) Image type:Field How to cite this image Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte, Bugwood.org

Plant Description

Rydberg’s penstemon is a perennial herb native to meadows across western North America. It forms showy, upright clumps of slender stems topped with dense spikes of tubular blue to violet flowers that bloom from late spring into midsummer. The species thrives in moist, well-drained soils and open, sunny habitats, especially at higher elevations. Its floral structure is well-suited to native bees, bumblebees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, making it an important nectar source in meadow ecosystems. Rydberg’s penstemon contributes both color and ecological value to alpine and meadow plant communities.

Plant Details

Life Forms	Forb
Habitats	Riparian Areas
Soil and Moisture Conditions	Moist
Special Uses	Attracts birds Attracts hummingbirds Attracts pollinators and/or other beneficial insects Blooms August Blooms July Blooms June Blooms May Deciduous Flowers blue Flowers blue/purple Flowers purple Good for meadowscape Good for rock garden Ornamental Perennial
Shade Preference	Full sun Part shade
Mature Height	1-4'