“Penstemon, a Pollinator’s Slender Pal”

Also known as “slender beardtongue” for its floral shape, this appeals to a variety of pollinators. The tubular flowers come in a variety of pinks, purples, and white, and it hosts the Chalcedon Checkerspot and Edith’s Checkerspot butterflies in the western portion of its range. Grows to about 2 feet and has toothed, slender petals with many flowers in each stalk. Historically used to treat fever, and the roots were chewed to ease toothaches.

Original mixed media on raw stretched canvas with maple float frame.