Utah beardtongue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Utah beardtongue |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Penstemon
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| Species: |
utahensis
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Penstemon utahensis is a beautiful flowering plant. It is often called the Utah beardtongue or Utah penstemon. This plant is a type of penstemon, which is a large group of plants known for their colorful flowers.
This plant is a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years and does not have a woody stem like a tree or bush. It grows straight up, reaching about half a meter tall.
Contents
Where the Utah Beardtongue Grows
The Utah beardtongue is found naturally in the southwestern United States. It likes to grow in dry, open areas. You can find it in places like scrublands, woodlands, and rocky canyons.
What the Plant Looks Like
The leaves of the Utah beardtongue are quite thick. Some leaves grow close to the ground around the base of the plant. Other leaves grow in pairs, one on each side of the stem.
Leaves and Stem
The leaves higher up on the stem are shaped like a spearhead. They are often folded in half lengthwise. These leaves can grow up to 5.5 centimeters long.
Flowers and Blooms
The Utah beardtongue has very showy flowers. They are usually bright red-pink in color. Many flowers grow together on a stalk, which is called an inflorescence. Each flower can be up to 2.5 centimeters long.
The flowers have interesting shapes. They can be like a tube, a cylinder, or a funnel. They have wide openings with different sections, like lips. The flowers are mostly smooth, but some might have a few hairs or sticky parts.
