Beardlip (Penstemon barbatus)

I noticed this splash of red on roadsides, in camp and on our way to the mountain meadow (see July 12 post).

A western perennial with flowers singly arranged on a few stalks, its other common names include bearded tongue, scarlet bugler and western penstemon. Both its Latin and common name tags refer to unique characteristics. Barbatus means bearded and refers to the inside of the flower tube which is hairy. The lower edge of the flower curls under hence the reference to ‘lip’.

Another hummingbird favorite, it may have attracted the Anna’s hummingbird that paid a visit one morning, unmistakable with his brilliant red head and surprisingly loud vocals.