Wax-leaf Beardtongue

Penstemon nitidus

This perennial plant has blue tinged leaves and several flowering stems arising from the same roots. The top of each stem is crowned with many sky-blue flowers. The flowers sometimes have purple striping inside and a hint of purple in the petals. The bottom petals of each flower have what resembles a bearded yellow tongue.

Look for wax-leaf beardtongues on dry coulee ridges!