Penstemon growing in Cascade Mts. east of Salem, OR

[Gene Mirro]

Growing in moist soil on an east-facing hillside at roughly 4200 feet altitude.

[Lori S.]

I'm not absolutely certain (would be good to see flower close-up to see shape of anthers, whether or not staminode is bearded, etc.) but I'd suggest comparing to Penstemon serrulatus.

http://www.google.ca/search?q=penstemon+serrulatus&hl=en&tbo=d&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=eF0NUdexH4z0igL9y4DIBQ&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAA&biw=1676&bih=880

[Gene Mirro]

That sounds like a good match.  I'll try to get some close-up photos this Spring.

[Hoy]

Whatever the name, that is a pretty plant! You say it is growing in moist conditions? In a sort of woodland?

[McDonough]

Lori, I second your ID as Penstemon serrulatus.

Gene, that's a very attractive plant.

[Gene Mirro]

It's growing at 4200 feet altitude in full sun on a rocky, east-facing hillside where there is a lot of water until late Summer.  There are no trees.  It's over a foot tall there, but in my garden, it only gets about 8 inches tall.  This is unusual, since plants normally get bigger in the garden than in nature.  Maybe it's because I am growing them a little dry in the garden.  My garden is at 600 feet altitude.  The flowers are a beautiful blue.

[Hoy]

Thank you. Does this species always have blue flowers?