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Penstemon                               

Penstemon spp.

Beardtongue

Scrophulariaceae – Figwort family

Description

Depending on species, Penstemon generally takes on three varying morphologies; it is either small, delicate and ground hugging, upright and herbaceous, or robust and shrub-like.  Whatever the shape these perennials have opposite leaves; the upper ones are sessile and tend to clasp the stem.  The lower leaves are petioled.  Often the leaves are somewhat thickened, lance or ovoid shaped, smooth and glaucous.  The flowers form in racemes and are found in a wide array of colors: reds, pinks, and purples are common.  The tubular flowers have 5 united petals and are often 2-lipped.  The oval seed capsules contain many small brownish seeds.

Distribution

With over 200 species worldwide, most occur in the American West.  Penstemon frequents varying elevations; from low elevation arid desert, to high mountains with Conifers and Aspen, some variety of Penstemon will probably be close by.  Look to the edges of draws, gullies, rocky hillsides, meadows, and along trail and roadsides.  It is a common plant.

Chemistry

Iridoid glycosides, phenolic acids, and anthocyanines

Medicinal Uses

Penstemon is largely unexplored as a plant medicine.  Other Figwort family plants of medicinal note are Figwort (Scrophularia spp.) and Devil’s claw (Harpagophyton procumbens).  There is some suggestion that Penstemon may also have inflammatory sedating qualities, as these other plants do, but more experimentation is needed.  For now Penstemon used topically is a mild therapy for stings, bites, rashes, and poorly healing tissues.  Penstemon’s structure-enhancing anthocyanines, mainly responsible for the flower’s coloration, are very useful in augmenting the skins repairing process.  This makes the plant applicable in cut and wound healing.  Combined with Penstemon’s soothing and cooling attributes makes it a worthy application to many conditions.

Indications

Rashes/bites/stings (external)

Wounds/cuts (external)

Collection

When in flower clip the upper herbage and use fresh or dry.  Emphasis on tissue repair can be increased by collecting more flowering racemes.

Preparations and Dosage

Oil/salve/poultice: as needed

Cautions

None known.

Copyright © 2006 by Charles W. Kane

This and additional profiles are found in Herbal Medicine of the American Southwest