Penstemon acuminatus
| Penstemon acuminatus | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 5 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 2' |
| Width: | 1' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Early Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Penstemon acuminatus (common name: sand-dune penstemon)
Propagation: Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse[1]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in late spring.
Alternatively, the seed can be sown in early summer in a greenhouse, the seedlings overwintered in the greenhouse and then planted out in the following spring[1].
Division in autumn[2].
Cuttings can be taken throughout the growing season, though August/September is best[1].
Cultivation: Succeeds in ordinary rich garden soils so long as they are well-drained[1]. Succeeds in dry soils. Requires a position in full sun[3].
Many members of this genus are very cold hardy, but do not prosper in Britain because they dislike winter wet. This species is more tolerant of British conditions than many other members of the genus[4]. Judging by its native habitat, it is likely to succeed in maritime exposure[K].
Range: Western N. America - Washington and Oregon to Idaho.
Habitat: Dry, open, commonly sandy places at low elevations, often on dunes[60.
Medicinal: The leaves are antiemetic and stomachic[5]. An infusion of the leaves is used to stop vomiting[6][5]. A decoction is used in the treatment of cramps and stomach pains[5].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Sanders, Thomas. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge, 1926.
- ↑ Brickell, Christopher. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers. Dorling Kindersley Publishers, 1990.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.
- ↑ Weiner, Michael. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books, 1980.