code: 952
Very few seeds collected
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Common name: Yellow Penstemon
Plant Classification: Hardy perennial
Minimum Height: 20 cm
Maximum Height: 50 cm
Packet Content(approx.): 20
This very rare but surprisingly easy-to-grow species, bears densely crowded spikes of a true lemon-yellow, making it the only genuinely yellow penstemon. In the wild it grows locally in moist open or wooded places, sometimes in meadows or by streams, and in lowlands and foothills in the Rockies, as well as in Montana and Alberta to British Columbia, Oregon and the Wenatchees of Washington. Very few seeds collected.
Sowing advice:
Seeds can be sown at any time but are best sown in winter or early spring to benefit from a cold spell in the wet compost to break their dormancy. We advise covering seeds very thinly with sand or fine grit to about the depth of the seed size. If the seeds do not come up within 6 to 12 weeks the damp seed tray can be given cold treatment in a fridge for about four weeks. They may still take very many months to appear, so please never discard the pot or tray.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Yellow penstemon grows as tall as 50 cm. The leaves are opposite and are between 5 and 10 cm long. The petals are 2-lipped with the lower petal equalling or longer than the upper petal. The petals are yellow. The stamens are in two groups of two and the filaments are arched. The sterile stamen is thread-like or narrowly spatula-shaped. The fruit is a many-seeded capsule.
WHERE DOES IT GROW?
Yellow penstemon grows in moist grassland depressions and wooded areas.
WHERE IS IT FOUND IN SASKATCHEWAN?
This plant is found in southern Saskatchewan in the Mixed Grassland and Moist Mixed Grassland ecoregions.
WHY IS IT RARE?
Yellow penstemon is endangered because of extreme rarity in Saskatchewan. This species is regionally restricted to southern Saskatchewan. Possible threats have been identified for this species.
Medicinal uses
A strong decoction of the root is purgative .
A decoction of the outer bark has been used in the treatment of stomach troubles.
The roasted and powdered stems and leaves have been used as a dressing on sores, cuts and wounds.
