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Nothochelone spp.
woodland penstemon
Overview
Nothochelone spp. is a genus of the plantain family (Plantaginaceae) treated as monotypic, holding only Nothochelone nemorosa, woodland penstemon, of moist forests in the Pacific Northwest of North America. It is a clump-forming perennial 30-80 cm (12-32 in) tall, with arching, leafy stems and opposite, sharply toothed, lance- to egg-shaped leaves 5-12 cm (2-5 in) long. From early to late summer the stems carry loose terminal clusters of tubular, two-lipped flowers 2.5-3.5 cm (1-1.4 in) long, rose-pink to purple, with a swollen throat and a sticky, glandular outer surface. The flowers are shaped for bumblebee pollination and give way to dry seed capsules. The genus differs from the closely related penstemons in technical floral details, including a flattened, beardless staminode. Plants grow in cool, moist, shaded woodland, on rocky banks, streamsides, and forest clearings from British Columbia to northern California. They die back to a woody base each winter and resprout in spring. The single species spreads slowly into clumps and is grown for its summer flowers in cool, partly shaded gardens.
Native Range
Nothochelone nemorosa is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, from southern British Columbia south through Washington and Oregon to northern California. It grows in moist coniferous forest, on shaded rocky banks, streamsides, and clearings, mainly in mountains. The single species is confined to this western range.Suggested Uses
Grown in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and moist rock gardens, spaced 30-45 cm (12-18 in) apart. The summer flowers draw bumblebees, and the arching habit suits naturalistic shaded plantings alongside ferns and other woodland perennials.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'8"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs through summer, mainly June to August. The tubular rose-purple flowers open in succession in loose terminal clusters over several weeks. Dry seed capsules follow and ripen by autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Rose-pink to purpleFoliage Description
Mid-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight