XBeardlip Penstemon (Penstemon barbatus)X
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Beardlip Penstemon -or- Scarlet Bugler -or- Golden-beard Penstemon (Penstemon barbatus), family Plantaginaceae (Plantain)
Family was Scrophulariaceae (Figwort), some sources may still show them there. This less showy penstemon was noticeable for it's pretty fire-red color. Per Weber in Colorado Flora Eastern Slope there is only one species of barbatus in Colorado, variety torreyi. See another interesting varient, trichander, recorded by Al Schneider of Southwest Colorado Wildflowers here. The plants are native to the western United States.
USES:
Recorded uses by Native American are quite a few. Per the website Native American Ethnobotany are these: Navajo, Ramah Drug (Analgesic) Decoction of root taken for menstrual pain and stomachache. Cold infusion or powdered plant applied to burns. Decoction of plant taken for cough. Honey sucked from flower by pregnant woman to keep baby small for easy labor. Simple or compound decoction of root taken for menstrual pain. (Panacea) Decoction of plant taken for internal injuries, a "life medicine." (Veterinary Aid)
Poultice of plant applied to sheep for fractured legs. Apache, White Mountain Drug (Witchcraft Medicine) Plant used as a magic medicine. Zuni Drug (Hunting Medicine) Chewed root rubbed over the rabbit stick to insure success in the hunt. Keres, Western Other (Decorations) Flowers used for bouquets and decorations in dances.
Fun Fact: Per WIKIPEDIA: The late-summer flowering of Penstemon barbatus coincides with the southern migration of the Rufous hummingbird, and the hummingbirds use the Scarlet buglers as "filling stations" for their long trip south.
Flower -
Plant location: Photographed in the Mesa Verde National Park on September 13, 2009. The species is supposed to be abundant there but due to the late season we saw few examples. Found in these United States: AZ , CO , NM , TX , UTPlant -
Bloom season: The plants are perennials.Foliage -
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