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Genus of plants

Penstemon '/p//ɛ//n//s//t//ᵻ//m//ən/, the beardtongues, is a large genus of roughly 280 species of flowering plants native mostly to the Nearctic, but with a few species also found in the North American portion of the Neotropics. It is the largest genus of flowering plants endemic to North America. As well as being the scientific name, penstemon is also widely used as a common name for all Penstemon species alongside beardtongues. Formerly placed in the family Scrophulariaceae by the Cronquist system, new genetic research has placed it in the vastly expanded family Plantaginaceae. The total number of species is uncertain due to on going research into if some of the named species are actually subspecies or misidentifications of already identified species.

They have opposite leaves, partly tube shaped, and two lipped flowers and seed capsules. The most distinctive feature of the genus is the prominent staminode, an infertile stamen. Heights can range from 10 cm to as much as 3 meters. Along with their variable growth forms the penstemons have highly variable leaves, often with different leaf shapes on different parts of the same plant. Some species have highly reduced needle like leaves and others broad and rounded leaves, with their texture also running the range of hairy to smooth/glaborous. Mitchell's work was reprinted in 1769, continuing with his original spelling, and this was ultimately accepted as the official form, although Pentstemon continued in use into the 20th century.

Although penstemons are among the most attractive native flowers of North America, Europe has traditionally been far more active in their hybridization with hundreds of hybrids developed since the early 19th century. The first offer of seeds for sale as by John Fraser in 1813. By 1860, a half dozen French growers are known to have developed hybrids, most notably Victor Lemoine, while in 1857 the German Wilhelm Pfitzer listed 24 varieties. In 1861 the British Royal Horticultural Society held trials in which 78 varieties were entered. The Scottish firm of John Forbes first offered penstemons in 1870, eventually becoming the biggest grower in the world; in 1884 their catalog listed 180 varieties. By 1900 Forbes had offered 550 varieties, while Lemoine had developed nearly 470 by the time of his death in 1911. Few of these have survived to the present day.

There are at least 281 species that are valid according to both World Flora Online (WFO) and Plants of the World Online (POWO) as of 2024. In addition there are at least five naturally occurring hybrids, and seven recognized by POWO. In addition there are five other additional species that are recognized by WFO