Sulfur Penstemon, Taper-leaved Penstemon
Penstemon attenuatus var. attenuatus
The photo above shows a close-up side-view
of the flower of taper-leaved penstemon. Note the numerous gland-tipped hairs
on the corolla, calyx and upper leaves. The gland-tipped hairs are also found
on the stems below the inflorescence and on the lower leaves. The photos on
this page were taken at a rock quarry off a side road veering to the south off
of Rd K6000 just above the Hellroaring Ditch at about 3050' on the southeastern
side of Mt. Adams..............May 29, 2005.
The photo above shows a close-up -view, looking into the mouth
of the flower of taper-leaved penstemon. Note that the staminode is yellow-bearded
and is (at least in this photo) shorter than the opening of the corolla tube.
The photo above shows a close-up of the verticillaster of taper-leaved
penstemon. Note that it is densely packed with numerous flowers, which would
help identify this from P. humilis and P. subserratus . The stems
of P subserratus are generally glabrous, or occasionally lightly haired
below the inflorescence.
The photo above looks into the throat of taper-leaved penstemon.
Note the yellow-bearded staminode on the floor of the corolla tube and the ovate
anther sacs, which open completely resting against the base of the upper two
corolla lobes.
Paul Slichter