Penstemon australis Small - Southern Beardtongue, Eustis Lake Beardtongue
Family - Scrophulariaceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Calyx.
Flowering - April - July.
Habitat - Sandhills, flatwoods, thickets, open hammocks.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - Thus attractive species can be found throughout much of Alabama. The plant can be identified by its simple stems, pink flowers, and typically densely viscid-pubescent stems. The essentially naked inflorescence is another character to look for.
The genus name Penstemon derives from the Greek "pent" meaning "five" and "stem(a)" meaning "a thread, stamen" referring to the 4 stamens plus the one staminode.
The species name australis derives from the Latin "austr(ali)" meaning "southern" as this is a southern species.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken at Fort Benning, GA., 5-6-05.