1. * Yellow Bush Penstemon – Keckiella antirrhinoides
(kek-ee-EL-luh an-tee-ri-NO-i-dees)
Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Native to: Foothills of S. CA interior mountain ranges to N. Baja (locally in the San Gabriel mtns);
Dry often rocky slopes to 4000', oak woodland, desert scrub, chaparral.
woody shrub/sub-shrub mature height: 3-8 ft.
mature width: 3-6 ft.
Dense woody shrub/sub-shrub with a woody base and herbaceous branch tips. Mounded shape.
Drought-deciduous – will lose all leaves in dry periods. Leaves are small, narrow and densely
crowded on the branches – superficially reminiscent of Deer Vetch ( Lotus scoparius).
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in spring – Mar-May and even into summer with judicious water. Bright
yellow snapdragon-like flowers are truly showy – your neighbors will be envious! Plant is literally
covered in 1-inch blooms. Wonderful sweet scent. Fruit is dry capsule with many small seeds.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Makes a wonderful specimen plant in spring/summer. Pair with Salvias for a
blue-yellow garden. Remember that this plant loses all its leaves in dry periods – plant with
evergreen species, grasses or give a little summer water to keep it green. Excellent choice for
habitat gardens, hummingbird gardens, scented gardens. Great for hot gardens.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native yellow-flowering perennials & shrubs like Scotch Broom.
Excellent habitat plant. Nectar attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, bees. Birds use plant
for cover and eat the seeds.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun (coast) to light shade.
Well-drained – sandy or rocky best. Any local pH.
Very drought tolerant, but best with a little summer water (Zone 1-2 or 2) in
gardens. Spray leaves to remove summer dust. Taper off water in fall.
Not needed.
Tolerates heat.
Management:
Prune back heavily to shape in fall (dormant season).
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed – no treatment
by cuttings: semi-softwood, layering
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 22, 24
3/9/10
* CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. county
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