Penstemon ambiguus is a member of Penstemon subg. Penstemon sect. Ericopsis (Bennett et al. 1987). It is unusual among the penstemons in its extremely small and nearly actinomorphic flowers, which are pollinated by lepidopterans (butterflies and moths). The specific epiteth, ambiguus, refers to the definition: "uncertain," which may refer to its floral symmetry. Its habit is shrub-like and it resembles the shape of sage brush when not in flower. This species occurs in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and in Mexico.
The two photos at the bottom of the page were taken using a 50mm macro lens and a ring flash.
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| Habit | Close-up of stems |
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| Close-up of flower | Dissection of flower |
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Last updated April 20, 1999.