Herb: Yellow Penstemon


Latin name: Penstemon confertus


Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)



Medicinal use of Yellow Penstemon:

A strong decoction of the root is purgative. A decoction of the outer bark has been used in the treatment of stomach troubles. The roasted and powdered stems and leaves have been used as a dressing on sores, cuts and wounds.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Perennial

Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
July to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Fairly moist open or wooded places, often in meadows or by streams, in lowland and foothills to moderate elevations in the Rockies. Dry sandy pinewoods.

Edible parts of Yellow Penstemon:

A tea-like beverage is made by boiling the dried leaves and stems for a short time. If made too strong, it can have a purgative effect on the body.

Other uses of the herb:

The flowers can be boiled and then rubbed on items to give them an indelible blue colouring.

Propagation of Yellow Penstemon:

Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in late spring. Alternatively, the seed can be sown in early summer in a greenhouse, the seedlings overwintered in the greenhouse and then planted out in the following spring. Division in autumn. Cuttings can be taken throughout the growing season, though August/September is best.

Cultivation of the herb:

Fairly moist open or wooded places, often in meadows or by streams, in lowland and foothills to moderate elevations in the Rockies. Dry sandy pinewoods.

Known hazards of Penstemon confertus:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.