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Penstemon acuminatus - Douglas.

Common Name Sand-Dune Penstemon, Sharpleaf penstemon
Family Scrophulariaceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Dry, open, commonly sandy places at low elevations, often on dunes[60.
Range Western N. America - Washington and Oregon to Idaho.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Penstemon acuminatus Sand-Dune Penstemon, Sharpleaf penstemon


Sheri Hagwood @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Penstemon acuminatus Sand-Dune Penstemon, Sharpleaf penstemon
Cassondra Skinner @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Penstemon acuminatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antiemetic  Stomachic

The leaves are antiemetic and stomachic[257]. An infusion of the leaves is used to stop vomiting[213, 257]. A decoction is used in the treatment of cramps and stomach pains[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in ordinary rich garden soils so long as they are well-drained[1]. Succeeds in dry soils. Requires a position in full sun[188]. Many members of this genus are very cold hardy, but do not prosper in Britain because they dislike winter wet. This species is more tolerant of British conditions than many other members of the genus[200]. Judging by its native habitat, it is likely to succeed in maritime exposure[K].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse[1]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in late spring. Alternatively, the seed can be sown in early summer in a greenhouse, the seedlings overwintered in the greenhouse and then planted out in the following spring[1]. Division in autumn[111]. Cuttings can be taken throughout the growing season, though August/September is best[1].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Oregon, Washington (s.-c.), Nevada (north))

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Penstemon confertusYellow PenstemonPerennial0.6 3-7  LMHNDM112
Penstemon grandiflorusLarge Beard TonguePerennial1.2 3-7  LMHSNDM01 
Penstemon procerusSmall-Flowered Penstemon, Littleflower penstemon, Pincushion beardtongue, Tolmie's penstemonPerennial0.4 3-7  LMHSNDM10 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

Douglas.

Botanical References

60200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

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