Parry's penstemon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parry's penstemon |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Penstemon
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| Species: |
parryi
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Penstemon parryi, also known as Parry's penstemon or desert penstemon, is a beautiful wild flower. It grows naturally in the Sonoran Desert. This desert is found in southern Arizona and northern Mexico. It's a plant that lives for many years, called a perennial. Its bright flowers usually appear in March and April.
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Discovering Parry's Penstemon
This special desert plant was named after Charles C. Parry. He was a surgeon and a naturalist. He worked on the Mexican Boundary Survey in the mid-1800s. This survey helped map the border between the United States and Mexico.
What Does It Look Like?
At the bottom of the plant, you'll find bluish-green leaves. They are shaped like a spearhead, which is called lanceolate. These leaves grow in a circular pattern, like a rose, which is known as a rosette.
From the base of the plant, tall flower stalks grow upwards. These stalks can reach from 2 to 5 feet high. At the top of these stalks are many deep, tube-shaped flowers. They are usually pink, but some have been grown to be red.
Where Does It Grow?
Parry's penstemon is a true desert plant. It loves sunny spots but can also grow in a little bit of shade. It's a native plant of the low desert areas. This means it can survive with the normal amount of rain in the Sonoran Desert. However, it cannot live through very long dry periods.
Why Is It Special?
This flower is very popular because it attracts hummingbirds. These tiny birds love to drink the nectar from its colorful blooms. The bright pink or red flowers also add a wonderful splash of color to desert gardens. It's a favorite for "xeriscape" gardens. Xeriscape means using plants that need very little water, which is perfect for dry places.
Life Cycle and Growth
In the wild, Parry's penstemon plants usually flower in their second year. But if you plant the seeds in the autumn, you can often see flowers in the very first year. This makes it a great plant for gardens.
