Membership in the American Penstemon Society is $10.00 a year for US & Canada. Overseas membership is $15.00, which includes 10 free selections from the Seed Exchange. US life membership is $200.00. Dues are payable in January of each year. Checks or money orders, in US funds only please, are payable to the American Penstemon Society and may be sent to: Dwayne Dickerson, Membership Secretary 600 South Cherry Street, Suite 27, Denver, CO 80246 USA

Elective Officers

President: Bob McFarlane, 5609 Locust St., Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Vice-President: Ginny Maffitt, 15329 SE Sunset Blvdl., Sherwood, OR 97140 Membership Secretary: Dwayne Dickerson, 600 S. Cherry Street, Suite 27, Denver, CO 80246 Treasurer: Dave Bentzin, 5844 Prescott St., Littleton, CO 80120 Robins Coordinator: Ginny Maffitt, 265 SE Sunset Blvd, Sherwood, OR 97140 Executive Board: Jill Pitman, Mews Cottage 34 Easton St., Portland, Dorset, DT5 1BT, United Kingdom Julie McIntosh Shapiro, 21 T Street, Hull MA 02045-1519 Val Myrick, 20475 West Walnut, Sonora, CA 95370 Appointive Officers Director of Seed Exchange: Ginny Maffitt, 15329 SE Sunset Blvd, Sherwood, OR 97140 Editor: Dr. Dale Lindgren, Univ. of NE West Central Center, 461 West University Drive, North Platte, NE 69101 Custodian of Slide Collection: Ellen Wilde, 110 Calle Pinonero, Sante Fe, NM 87505 Registrar of Cultivars/Hybrids: Dr. Dale Lindgren, Univ. of NE West Central Center, 461 West University Drive, North Platte, NE 69101 Librarian: Ellen Wilde, 110 Calle Pinonero, Sante Fe, NM 87505

The American Penstemon Society is a non-profit unincorporated plant society dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about penstemons, their introduction into cultivation, and the development of new and improved cultivars. The Bulletin of the American Penstemon Society is published in January and July. Bulk postage is paid in Denver, Colorado.

BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN PENSTEMON SOCIETY

Volume 66 Number 2 August 2007

Page

Colorado’s Imperiled Penstemon 2 by Erin Robinson

Update on the Registration of Named Cultivars of Penstemon 10 by Dale Lindgren

Survival of Penstemon Seedlings Germinated and Grown 11 near Denver, Colorado: Fall 2006- March 2007 by Barbara Lewis

Author Index to Articles in the APS Bulletins, 1979-2007 18 by Barbara Lewis and Dale Lindgren

Robin Letters 34

“I’D GO TO IDAHO, 2007" 54 by Ginny Maffitt

Note from the Editor 60

Covers: Front: Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ Photo by Dale Lindgren Back: Penstemon cyananthus. Galena Summit, Idaho Photo by Ginny Maffitt

Colorado's Imperiled Penstemons Erin Robertson, Senior Staff Biologist Center for Native Ecosystems 1536 Wynkoop Street, Suite 303 Denver, CO 80202 [email protected] www.nativeecosystems.org 303.546.0214

Many of us are drawn to penstemons because of their incredible variety of colors, forms, habitats, and pollinators. With over 270 species to choose from, there is a penstemon out there to suit virtually anyone's fancy. This amazing diversity is based on the evolution and retention of local adaptations, which is why penstemons have been able to exploit so many unusual situations. However, this also means that penstemon species often have very narrow distributions or are highly restricted to specific substrates. If local conditions change - if habitat is converted to housing developments, or if temperatures warm and moisture disappears - rare penstemons may be out of luck precisely because they are so highly specialized. As penstemon appreciators, we should consider ways that we can assist in reducing some of these challenges rare penstemons face, so that their fuzzy staminodes are around to delight the next generation of penstemaniacs. If we look at ten imperiled penstemons found in Colorado, themes begin to emerge regarding the threats that face many western wildflowers today, and opportunities to improve their prognosis. From the oil shale country of northwestern Colorado to the grasslands of the southeast, from problems with condos to cows, their stories are as diverse as the genus itself.

Penstemon penlandii Colorado's only penstemon protected under the Endangered Species Act is Penland's penstemon, which is endemic to Grand County. Listed as Endangered in 1989 largely because of off-road vehicle threats, this species was first discovered in 1986. It is known from only two occurrences in north-central Colorado near Kremmling which support between 5,000 and 8,000 plants with tiny, vibrant, blue flowers that bloom in June and July. This penstemon makes its home on harsh selenium-rich clay shales that keep even the sagebrush at bay. Osterhout's milkvetch (Astragalus osterhoutii - another Endangered species from a highly diversified western genus) also is endemic to this area, was protected under the Act at the same time, and shares a recovery plan with this penstemon. Off-road vehicle use remains a concern. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is continuing to work on travel management planning in the Kremmling Field Office, and your comments could help protect sites for both of these species. Endangered Species Act protection is often accompanied by designation of Critical Habitat, but not for either of these wildflowers. In its absence, our organization has asked the BLM to consider designating these sites as Areas of Critical Environmental Concern as they revise the management plan for this area.

Penstemon debilis Parachute penstemon is one of three oil shale endemic penstemons found in northwestern Colorado that have been Candidates for Endangered Species Act protection recently, and this one

is clearly the rarest. Discovered in 1986 and known only from six sites containing about 1,700 plants - about half on BLM land and half privately owned by oil companies - Parachute penstemon's lovely pale lavender flowers emerge from matted stems in mid-June to July. All of the sites are high on Garfield County's Roan Plateau and neighboring Mount Callahan, above the town of Parachute, Colorado. The fate of the plateau is being decided now. For decades this area was part of the Naval Oil Shale Reserve - lands set aside in case the government needed to rapidly access the energy contained in the oil shale substrate that the penstemon clings to. But the trick has been figuring out how to efficiently extract the oil from the shale, and even though industry continues to assert that they will be able to do this, the Reserve was transferred into the hands of the BLM in the 1990s. The BLM is still finalizing the management plan for the top of the plateau, and Colorado's legislators have become vocal in defending it against the BLM's pending plans for conventional oil and gas drilling. Now is the time to encourage lawmakers and the BLM to conserve the penstemon's habitat. Our organization and the Colorado Native Plant Society have petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect this wildflower under the Endangered Species Act, and we are awaiting a court decision about the Service's failure to respond to our petition.

Penstemon scariosus var. albifluvis White River penstemon is the second of the oil shale Candidates, and its name reflects its distribution - it is limited to oil shale slopes above this drainage in northwestern Colorado and northeastern Utah. The single occurrence in Colorado is west of Rangely in Rio Blanco County, and supports between 50 and 100 plants. While the Colorado occurrence is protected by an Area of Critical Environmental Concern, the Utah populations are vulnerable to both the long-term threat of oil shale mining and the immediate threat of conventional oil and gas drilling. The White River Field Office of the BLM in Colorado and the Vernal Field Office in Utah collectively manage all of the occupied habitat on federal lands, and both are revising their management plans now. Other BLM offices have recently proposed eliminating existing Area of Critical Environmental Concern designations in areas with high oil and gas potential, so even Colorado's site may be at risk. In 1997 when the BLM last revised its plan for this area, the agency anticipated that 1,300 oil and gas wells would be drilled over the next 20 years. Now they expect to see 22,000.

Penstemon grahamii The final in the oil shale trio is Graham's penstemon, which was a Candidate for Endangered Species Act protection from the time that the Smithsonian first drafted a list of plants that warranted protection in 1975 until the Service removed it from the Candidate list in December 2006. If that timing seems odd, you are right to be puzzled. In January of 2006, in response to an Endangered Species Act petition from our organization, the Colorado Native Plant Society, the Utah Native Plant Society, and Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, the Service officially proposed protecting Graham's penstemon as Threatened and designating about 3,500 acres of Critical Habitat for this species. So what happened between then and December? Politics. The Service claimed in withdrawing its proposal (and removing Candidate status) that the threats of oil shale mining and oil and gas drilling were merely speculative, even though this species is only found in a narrow band of small, scattered populations on oil shale knolls extending from east to west through Utah's main oil and gas patch - the Uinta Basin. We plan to challenge this

decision, and for good reason. Graham's penstemon stands out, even for penstemon lovers. With its short stems, improbably large lavender flowers, and bright orange, extra-fat staminodes, it is a true joy to behold. But drought and herbivory have made flowers a rare find the past few years - luckily 2007 seems to finally have produced better results. The only site in Colorado is in the same location as the one occupied by White River penstemon, and the Service estimates that there are about 6,200 plants rangewide. Edward Graham discovered the species in 1933.

Penstemon gibbensii The Natural Heritage Programs, the BLM, and the Forest Service also maintain lists of species of concern, and these provide useful supplements to the endangered species list by indicating which plants and animals may be headed toward trouble. The Heritage Programs use a ranking system where G1 species are considered globally critically imperiled, the highest level of concern. Penstemon penlandii and P. debilis, discussed above, are both ranked G1, and P. scariosus var. albifluvis is ranked T1, indicating that the trinomial, or variety, is considered critically imperiled. Penstemon grahamii is ranked G2, meaning globally imperiled. Gibbens's penstemon is ranked G1G2, which means that it falls somewhere between critically imperiled and imperiled. This species is only known from eight occurrences, but they are surprisingly spread out: two near Browns Park in northwestern Colorado's Moffat County, one in Utah, and five in Wyoming. These total an estimated 17,000 plants, around 6,300 of which are found in Colorado. The BLM has included Gibbens's penstemon on the Sensitive species list, and has proposed designation of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern in management plans being revised now, but for some like the Colorado occurrences, these areas are not proposed under the management alternative that the BLM has announced that it prefers. There is still time to encourage the agency to act. Robert Gibbens discovered this species around 1970, and from June to September, its blue-purple flowers stand out against white sandy clay hills. Livestock grazing, noxious weeds, recreation, oil and gas drilling, and mining are causes for concern in its habitat.

Penstemon degeneri Degener's penstemon is another G2 (Imperiled) species that also appears on the BLM's and Forest Service's Sensitive lists. It is only found in Fremont and Custer Counties of central Colorado. The 12 known occurrences include pinyon-juniper woodlands, ponderosa pine parklands, and montane meadows of the Royal Gorge area of the Arkansas River valley and the Wet Mountains. Dark blue flowers bloom from June to mid-July. The Forest Service, University of Colorado at Denver, and the Colorado Native Plant Society are currently researching the pollination biology and population genetics of this species. This penstemon was first collected in 1872, but was not described until Crosswhite named it in 1965. Recreation, weeds, and grazing all may threaten Degener's penstemon. Some sites seem to have very high herbivory rates from native grazers, too. The BLM is working on a travel management plan for this area, and the Forest Service is revising the Pike-San Isabel Forest Plan, so there are good opportunities now to encourage conservation for this penstemon.

Penstemon harringtonii Although ranked as a G3 (Vulnerable) by the Heritage Program, Harrington's penstemon is included on both the BLM's and Forest Service's Sensitive lists because its distribution puts it at considerable risk from residential development associated with the ski industry. There are 74 occurrences, but they are all from an 82-mile by 48-mile area along the Colorado River drainage in Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Pitkin, Routt, and Summit Counties of Colorado. A third of the occurrences are on private land, which makes this penstemon vulnerable to habitat loss due to housing developments springing up around Vail and the neighboring towns that tend to house Vail's workforce. William Penland, the namesake of the Endangered penstemon mentioned above, discovered this species in 1952 and named it after Colorado State University professor H.D. Harrington. Blue, pink, or lavender flowers dot sagebrush lands in June. While development is the biggest threat, agriculture, oil and gas drilling, off-road vehicle use, noxious weeds, and overgrazing also play a role in this species' imperilment. The Denver Botanic Gardens has monitored Harrington's penstemon for many years. The Glenwood Springs Field Office of the BLM has just begun revising its management plan, so now is a good time to tell the agency about the importance of conserving this species on public lands given the development pressures that exist on private land.

Penstemon laricifolius ssp. exilifolius Larchleaf penstemon is ranked T3 (Vulnerable) and is included on the Forest Service's Sensitive list. There are 40 occurrences, most of which are from Wyoming, but the species does occur at ten sites in dry uplands in the Laramie River valley of Larimer County, north-central Colorado. This subspecies has white flowers that bloom from June to early August in sagebrush lands. The Kremmling Field Office of the BLM manages several of the Colorado sites, and is also revising its management plan now. Some sites with vigorous populations are found along roadsides or in sites that had previously been graded, so this penstemon may benefit from some degree of disturbance. First collected in the Laramie Plains in 1884 by C.S. Sheldon, this subspecies has had a long and involved taxonomic history because flower color is the main character that has been used to separate it from P. laricifolius ssp. laricifolius, which is purple. Genetic research would help tease out their relationship better. Noxious weeds, residential development, oil and gas drilling, and overgrazing may pose problems for larchleaf penstemon populations.

Penstemon jamesii This species and the next represent lost penstemons for Colorado - each is known from only a single herbarium specimen from the state. James's penstemon was collected in 1948 west of the town of Kim in Las Animas County, southeastern Colorado. Despite several searches of the nearby Comanche National Grassland, it has never been located in Colorado since, but the Forest Service has included it on the Sensitive species list in case it is detected someday. Luckily, this pink to purple wildflower blooms throughout the grasslands of much of New Mexico and Texas, where it is common, from mid-May to mid-June. It was first collected by Edwin James in 1820 in New Mexico as part of the Long Expedition. Penstemon parviflorus The picture is not so rosy for small-flowered penstemon, which is believed to have gone extinct. Alice Eastwood collected a specimen near Mancos in southwestern Colorado's Montezuma County in July, 1890. This penstemon had purple or blue flowers and leaves in whorls of three, and has not been seen since.

Overall concerns For me, some overall themes that emerge after thinking about this list are the challenges posed by Colorado's growing population, the ever more desperate search for oil and gas resources, and our unknown future given a changing climate. Penstemons tied to soil types that exist in very narrow geographic areas may have extremely limited ability to adjust to climate change - there may be no elevational or latitudinal "up" for them to move to. I am also struck by how much we still do not know about these amazing wildflowers - there are so many research opportunities just for Colorado's small slice of the rare penstemon pie. Having lost one Colorado penstemon should be more than enough - we have a responsibility to conserve our wonderful natural heritage here.

What can we do to recover these imperiled penstemons? Throughout these descriptions I have highlighted some of the public input processes that are going on now which affect how penstemons are managed on federal lands, but there are many other ways that one can contribute to penstemon conservation. Consider volunteering to revisit penstemon occurrences and document their current condition, and make sure this information is reported to the state Natural Heritage Program. For example, the Colorado Natural Areas Program connects volunteer stewards with special sites around the state. Native Plant Society field trips also sometimes involve inventory work - the Utah Native Plant Society has been actively involved in visiting Graham's penstemon sites. Keep in mind the role that your elected officials play in funding botanical research and setting agency policy, and let them know what is important to you. Make sure that you follow legal and ethical guidelines when you are collecting seeds or specimens from rare penstemons. Encourage private land incentives for rare penstemon habitat like funding for conservation easements. Consider making your gorgeous penstemon photos available to those who are advocating for penstemon conservation. And be sure to share your love of these wildflowers with your family and friends - we can always use more penstemon lovers!

Update on the Registration of Named Cultivars of Penstemon by Dale T. Lindgren, North Platte, NE

Two penstemon cultivar names have been registered with the American Penstemon Society in 2007. Both of these names were submitted by John Lee of Froggery Cottage, Northants, England. We continued to encourage anyone that releases a new penstemon cultivar to register it's name with the American Penstemon Society which is designated as the International Registration Authority for Penstemon.

Name: 'Spitfire' APS Registration No. 0701 Applicant: John Lee, Froggery Cottage, 85 Breakleys Road, Desborough, Northants. England NN14 2PT Breeder or discoverer: J. Longstaff Species: Not available. Recommended means of propagation: Cuttings Description: Plant averages 70 cm in height and 50 centimeters wide at flowering. Stem leaves are about 12 cm long and about 3 cm wide. It has a panicle inflorescence with salsa colored, bell shaped flowers with guidelines. Flowers from July to November.

Name: 'Roger Skipper' APS Registration No. 0702 Applicant: John Lee, Froggery Cottage, 85 Breakleys Road, Desborough, Northants. England NN14 2PT Breeder or discoverer: Roger Skipper Species: Unknown

Recommended means of propagation: Cuttings Description: Plant averages 1.3 meters in height and 80 centimeters wide. Stem leaves are about 9 cm long and about 1 cm. Inflorescence is a dense panicle. Flowers from July to November. Flowers are about 35 mm long and 15 mm wide and bell shaped. Flowers are candy pink with a white throat with guidelines.

Survival of Penstemons Seedlings Germinated and Grown near Denver, Colorado: Fall 2006- March 2007 By Barbara Lewis, Douglas County, Colorado

Introduction Thirty-one species of penstemon were germinated, lined out for several weeks, and then transplanted to two permanent sites, each with rather different growing conditions. This paper describes the growing conditions and the status of the seedlings in February and March 2007. The garden is in northwest Douglas County along Colorado’s Front Range near Denver.

Site Descriptions Berm A berm of extremely porous soil was constructed in February 2006. The 50 yards of soil used in its construction were purchased from a local merchant. It is a mixture of 75% sandy top soil, 10% squeege and 15% coarse sand. The berm is about 50’ long, 8-10’ wide and 3’ high. Its length runs east and west. Many large rocks have been inserted to stabilize the soil, provide microclimates for plants, and add to viewing interest. Two paths, stabilized with flagstones traverse the width, and one long path goes along the top. In early September, 2006, at least two plants of each of 18 species of penstemon that I raised from seed in 2006 were planted on the berm. Most were placed on the north side and east and west ends. A few seedlings were planted on the south side and on top. All survived the transplanting and soon were actively growing. Open garden The open garden, located near the berm, was simply an area in front of the house, cleared specifically to accommodate the seedlings. The native soil in this area is quite porous and easy to work. It was described as silty by a local expert which seems reasonable as the South Platte River is only a mile away. In August, 2006, at least two plants of each of 19 species of penstemons that I raised from seed in 2006 were transplanted into the open garden.

Weather Conditions The seedlings experienced a fairly hot September during which time they were watered frequently and grew well. The weather continued to be warm through most of November during which time the seedlings were watered on an as-needed basis and continued to grow. The snows of December and January buried the seedlings for over 60 days. During that time temperatures were consistently cold, sometimes reaching -20º F. A thaw in February melted all the snow from the open garden, but not from the north side of the berm. Soon after the February thaw, a cold snap dropped the temperatures to well below 0º F for several days. Only the plants on the north side of the berm were protected by the snow at this time. The remainder of the winter was typified by gradual warming, and some rain.

Recording Seedlings’ Condition Recordings were made in February 2007 during the thaw and again in the third week of March, 2007.

Results Of the 18 penstemon species placed on the berm (Table 1), all individual plants of 16 species were alive in February 2007; the two havardii were turning brown and two of the four of the unknown variety had died. In March 2007 all individuals of 16 species were alive and adding new growth. The two surviving individuals of the unknown variety also were doing well. All the havardii appeared to be dead. Three of the 17 identified species described in Table 1 are native to the Denver area. Fourteen are not native to any area within 75 miles of Denver. It is unlikely that the unknown variety is native.

Of the 19 penstemon species placed in the open garden (Table 2), 18 were alive in February 2007. The one havardii without protection still showed green, and the two under the protective umbrellas were completely brown. In March 2007, 17 species were alive and adding growth. The three havardii appeared to be dead though two showed just a little green in the lower stems, and two of the three floridus had succumbed (no floridus in other areas of the garden were lost). Seventeen of the 19 identified species described in Table 2 are not native to any area within 75 miles of Denver.

Discussion

This study confirms the widely reported adaptability of many species within the genus Penstemon to cultivation outside of their native habitat.

It would be an interesting and worthwhile project for other penstemon gardeners to collect and report information like that presented here. A mechanism for sharing that data (Message Board) will be incorporated into the Cultivation Section of the soon-to-be- published update of the American Penstemon Society website (www.penstemon.org).

Table 1. Seedlings placed on the berm.

Species Location on Condition in Condition Classification Native to berm February 07 in late March 07 Denver Region attenuatus west end alive alive and adding new Subgenus: Penstemon no growth Section: Penstemon Subsection: Proceri breviculus west end alive alive and adding new Subgenus: Penstemon no growth Section: Cristati carnosus alive alive and adding new Subgenus: Penstemon no growth Section: Coerulei cinicola west end alive alive and adding new Subgenus: Penstemon no growth Section: Penstemon Subsection: Proceri clutei top alive alive and adding new Subgenus: Penstemon no growth Section: Peltanthera Subsection: Peltanthera comarrhenus west end and alive alive and adding new Subgenus: Habroanthus no north side growth Section: Glabri floridus north side alive alive and adding new Subgenus: Penstemon no growth Section: Coerulei havardii south side, probably both dead Subgenus: Penstemon no base of berm dead Section: Peltanthera Subsection: Havardiani leiophyllus west end alive alive and adding new Subgenus: Habroanthus no growth Section: Glabri linarioides east end alive alive and adding new Subgenus: Penstemon no growth Section: Ericopsis Subsection: Linarioides ophianthus east end alive alive, but no new growth Subgenus: Penstemon no Section: Cristati procerus tolmei south side on alive alive and adding new Subgenus: Penstemon no a step growth Section: Penstemon Subsection: Proceri secundiflorus top alive alive and adding new Subgenus: Penstemon yes growth Section: Coerulei speciosus west end alive alive and adding new Subgenus: Habroanthus no growth Section: Glabri teucrioides north and top alive alive and adding new Section: Penstemon yes growth Section: Ericopsis Subsection: Caespitosi watsonii west end alive alive and adding new Section: Penstemon yes growth Section: Penstemon Subsection: Proceri wrightii (2 placed south side alive both placed on the south Section: Penstemon no under plastic side under a protective Section: Peltanthera umbrella) 1 at umbrella; are alive and Subsection: Centranthi- berm base adding new growth folii unknown (seed south side 1 alive, 3 in one at base of the south This species has large, NA collected from public poor side of the berm alive and leathery blue-grey leaves. It garden in Scottsdale, condition thriving; one placed on appears it will be a tall plant. AZ , possibly subsection steps on the south side At present it is sending up Centranthifolii or died and 2 placed above several stems. Peltanthera but outside the protective umbrella on the south side

died

Table 2. Seedlings placed in the open garden. Species Condition in Condition in Classification Native to February 07 late March 07 Denver region angustifolius alive alive and adding Subgenus: Penstemon yes new growth Section: Coerulei barbatus alive alive and adding Subgenus: Habroanthus no new growth Section: Elmigera brandegei alive alive and adding Subgenus: Habroanthus no new growth Section: Glabri caryi alive alive and adding Subgenus: Habroanthus no new growth Section: Glabri clutei alive alive and adding Subgenus: Penstemon no new growth Section: Peltanthera Subsection: Peltanthera cyaneus alive alive and adding Subgenus: Habroanthus no new growth Section: Glabri Subsection: eatonii alive alive and adding Subgenus: Habroanthus no new growth Section: Elmigera floridus alive 2 dead, 1 alive Subgenus: Penstemon no Section: Peltanthera Subsection: Peltanthera glaber alpinus alive alive and adding Subgenus: Habroanthus no new growth Section: Glabri Subsection: havardii 1 unprotected, alive, 2 none expected to Subgenus: Penstemon no under umbrella dead survive Section: Peltanthera Subsection: Havardiani leiophyllus alive alive and adding Subgenus: Habroanthus no new growth Section: Glabri Subsection: lentus alive alive and adding Subgenus: Penstemon no albiflorus new growth Section: Coerulei payettensus alive alive and adding Subgenus: Habroanthus no new growth Section: Glabri pruinosus alive alive and adding Subgenus: Penstemon no new growth Section: Penstemon Subsection: Humiles rostiflorus alive alive and adding Subgenus: Saccanthera no new growth Section: Bridgesiani secundiflorus alive alive and adding Subgenus: Penstemon yes new growth Section: Coerulei venustus alive alive and adding Subgenus: Saccanthera no new growth Section: Saccanthera Subsection: Serrulati virgatus alive alive and adding Subgenus: Habroanthus no new growth Section: Glabri Subsection: unknown (seed alive alive and adding Subgenus: unlikely collected from a new growth Section: public garden in Subsection:

Scottsdale, AZ)

Author Index to Articles in the APS Bulletin 1979-2007

Barbara Lewis, Denver, Colorado Dale T. Lindgren, North Platte, NE

The articles listed in this Index begin with 1979. The list does not include articles that are considered garden reports or trip reports or robin letters. There is, however, valuable information in the garden, trip, and robin reports as well as in articles in older issues of the Bulletin.

Amason, C. R. 1984. Report of Registrar of Named Varieties and Hybrids. 43(1): 8. Anderson, J. 1987. Adventures with Penstemon montanus ssp. idahoensis. 46(2): 8-11. Anonymous: 1980. Is Peat moss clean? 39(1): 25. Anonymous. 1980. Firm won't Harvest Timber to save Flower. 39(2): 17. Anonymous. 1980. Soil Pasteurization. 39(1): 28-29. Anonymous. 1981. Penstemon whippleanus A. Gray. 40(2): 4-5. Anonymous. 1981. A Tribute to Clifford G. and Olga Lewis. 40(2): 7. Anonymous. 1981. Myrtle's wisdom. 40(2): 13-15. Anonymous. 1982. H. H. Marshall-biography. 41(2): 26-27. Anonymous. 1983. Penstemon hirsutus revisited. 42(1): 5-10. Anonymous. 1983. Registration of Clones and Varieties. 42(1): 16-21. Anonymous. 1983. Penstemon crandallii. 42(1): 21-23 Anonymous. 1985. Penstemon Eriantherus Pursh (from Bennett, 1965). 44(2): 3-6. Anonymous. 1985. A new Penstemon. 44(2): 6. Anonymous. 1986. Covers: Penstemon palmeri & Penstemon ambiguus. 45(2): 51-53. Anonymous. 1986. Vignettes out of the past. 45(2): 2-4. Anonymous. 1987. Penstemon utahensis Eastu. (Cover Penstemon). 46(1): 4-5. Anonymous. 1987, Penstemon cardinalis (Beginners Manual). 46(1):5. Anonymous. 1987. Winter burning of Dasanthera leaves. 46(1):26-27. Anonymous. 1987. Penstemon haydenii. 46(2):50-52. Anonymous. 1988. Penstemon jamesii. 47(1):9. Anonymous. 1988. Penstemon albomarginatus. 47(1):7-8. Anonymous. 1988. Penstemon globosus. 47(1): 8-9. Anonymous. 1991. Penstemon davidsonii and Penstemon montanus. 50(1): 64. Anonymous. 1990. Obituary - Bette Petersen. 49(1): 30. Anonymous. 1990. Cover - Penstemon cardwellii 'Roseus'. 49(1):32. Anonymous. 1992. Dara Emery dead at 71. 51(2):53. Anonymous. 1994. A Note on Penstemon endangerment. 53(1):15. Anonymous. 1995. Obituary: Dr. David D. Keck. 54(2):72. Anonymous. 1996. Annual Meeting Report. 55(2):51. Anonymous. 1997. 1997 Membership List of the American Penstemon Society 56(2):27-42. Anonymous. 1998. Obituary: Bruce Meyers 57(2):45.

Anonymous. 1999. American Penstemon Society Myrtle Hebert Award. 58(1):3. Anonymous. 1999. Obituary: Thelma C. Chatfield. 58(1):51. APS. 2005. Ellen Wilde. The 2005 Myrtle Hebert APS Award Recipient. 64(2):7. APS. 2005. Ann Bartlett. The 2005 Ralph Bennett APS Award Recipient. 64(2):8. APS. 2005. Dale T. Lindgren. The 2005 Glenn Viehmeyer APS Award Recipient. 64(2):10. APS. 2006. Bylaws - American Penstemon Society 65(1):52-60. APS. 2006. Membership Listing of the American Penstemon Society 65(2):34-48. Ault, J. 2001. Penstemon grandiflorus, the Pride of the Plains. 60(1):8-14. Bachman, S. 1980. Penstemon nomenclature revised. 39(1): 16-20. Bachman, S. 1980. Extract from NNNPS Newsletter of October, 1979. 39(1): 24-25. Bachman, S. 1994. Pollination in Penstemons: The Big Three. 53(2): 3-13. Backman, S. 2005. APS Travel Herbarium 64(1):16-27. Barr, C. 1988. The workings of a scree. 47(1): 10-11. Barr, C. 1988. How to succeed with Plains Penstemon. 47(1): 11-12. Barr, C. 1988. Sand beds. 47(1): 12. Bartlett, A. 1992. Penstemon seeds and plants by mail order. 51(2): 51-52. Bartlett, A. 1996. Penstemon seeds and plants by mail order. 55(1): 39-42. Bartlett, A. 1997. Penstemon Seeds and Plants by Mailorder, an Update. 56(1):18. Bartlett, A. 2003. Book Review: Alpine Plants of North America by Graham Nicholls. 62(2):27- 28. Bartlett, A. 2005. Book Review: The Plant Locator Western Region 64(1):28. Bennett, R. 1980. How to press plants and retain color (1952 issue). 39(1): 27. Bennett, R. 1980. Drought gardening. 39(2): 19-20. Bennett, R. 1981. Botanical descriptions: Penstemon grahamii. 40(2): 59-60. Bennett, R. 1982. Culture of the shrubby Penstemons. 41(1): 16-24. Bennett, R. 1983. Botanical description from studies in Penstemon No. 3, 1963. 42(1):10-12. Bennett, R. 1985. Back cover: Penstemon pennellianus. 44(1): 16-20. Bennett, R. 1987. Penstemon montanus Greene. (1954). 46(2): 11-14. Bennett, R. 1987. Penstemon alpinus Torr. 46(2): 50-52. Bleaky, D. 1999. A Key to the Penstemons of New Mexico. 58(1):4-23. Boyson, S. 2006. Penstemon Serendipity 65(2):18-23. Burkhardt, J. 1999. Rare Plant Thriving up Rattlesnake Creek. 58(2):68-69. Burrell F. and R. Snyder. 1979. Medicinal uses for Penstemons. 38(2): 24. Buschmann, L. 1997. Winter Cuttings of Penstemon. 56(1):26. Callas, P. 1981. Penstemons in Denver. 40(2): 8-9. Case, F. 1988. Seed planting and germination (1961). 47(1): 14-15. Case, F. 1988. Apparent drying out of a species in its native habitat. 47(1):15-17. Case, F. 1988. Hints on maintaining short-lived Penstemons. 47(1):17-18. Clinebell, R. 1997 The Pollination Biology of Some Missouri and Kansas Penstemons. 6(1):8-17 Coutts, J. 1981. A report from Canada. 40(2):10. Davenport, B. 1995. Obituary - Amel Priest. 54(1):40. Davenport, B. 1995. Obituary - Birdie Padavich. 54(1):40. Davidson, R. 1982. Dasanthera reminiscences. 41(2):27-29. Deno, N. 1991. Penstemon germination. 50(1):3-6. Duncan, A. 1980. A tribute to Myrtle Hebert. 39(1):3-4. Dunne; R. 2006. Book Review - Growing Penstemons: Species, Cultivars and Hybrids 65(1): 17-20.

Evert, E. 1985. Penstemon absarokensis, a new species of scrophulariaceae from Wyoming. 44(1): 21-24. Fritz, M. 1985. On the road with operation wildflower. 44(2): 13-14. Ferreri, J. 1996. Changed names in Penstemon, revisited. 55(1): 38. Ferreri, J. 1997. Growing Penstemon in the Midwest. 56(2):3-10. Ferreri, J. 1997. The 1997 APS Annual Meeting in the Black Hills. 56(2):16-21. Gandley, C. 2000. Penstemon and the British. 59(1):19-24. Gears, J. 2007. A Note from theUK. 66(1):45-46. Gessert, G. 1981. Measuring a mediums air space and water holding capacity. 40( 1):13-16. Godleski, E. 1986. To bed with sand or pebble? 45(2): 41-43. Godleski, E. 1990. Succession of Bloom. 49(1): 22-23. Goertzen, J. 2003. Quantity of Soil Sulfur Needed to Increase Soil Acidity. 62(1):39-40. Goodwin, G. 1984. Observations on Penstemon clutei on the Coconino National Forest.(Wildlife Biologist Sept., 1979). 43(1): 26-31. Gottesman, L. 2000. Stalking the Wild Penstemons of Utah. 59(2):91-95. Green, J. 1981. The importance of selecting a growth medium with adequate aeration. 40(1): 5- 8. Grayer, S. 2002. Standards: Herbarium Specimens of New Penstemon Cultivars. 61(1):4-9. Hafferman, C. 2004. Growing Penstemons 63(1):4-6. Halligan, P. 2000. The Influence of Light on Flower Color in Penstemon. 59(2):88-90. Hamil, C. And J. Zach. 2003. APS Trip to Nebraska and South Dakota, June 7 & 8, 2003. 62(2):11-15. Hardy, J. P. and R. Weedon. 1989. Penstemons in western Nebraska. 48(1): 3-17. Hawke, R. 1994. Chicago Botanic Garden Penstemon Trials. 53(2): 14-15. Hazard, G. 1981. Seed collecting everyone. 40(1):20-22. Hebert, M. 1979. Living with Penstemon (Part 2). 1979. 38(2):18-22. Hebert, M. (edited by Robin Lodewick). 1980. Living with Penstemon (Part 3). 39(2):3-12. Heflin, J. 1994. Some special New Mexico Penstemon. 53(1):6-9. Heidel, B. 2006. A Nebraska Treasure Discovered in Wyoming - The Blowout Penstemon 65(1):10-14. Heitman, V. 1996. Obituary of Lena Seeba. 55(19):46. Hoitink, S. 2005. APS 2004 Treasurer's Report. 64(2):40. Horton, E. 1997. Obituary: Vaclav Plestil. 56(1):54. Hubbard, J. 2001. An Update of the Penstemon Treatment in Wooton and Standley's (1915) Flora of New Mexico. 60(2):4-24. Hubbard, J. 2001. PENSTEMON "PULCHELL US " LINDL [= P. CAMPANULA TUS (CAV.) WILLD.]: A Specious Member Of New Mexico's Flora. 60(2):25-31. Hubbard, J. 2001. PENSTEMON SPINULOSUS Wooton And Standley: New Mexico Endemic, Error, Or Introduction? 60(2):31-40. Ingram, K. 2005. Preview of Selected Eastern Sierra Penstemon 64(1):10-15. Humphrey, D. 1998. Some Reliable Penstemon for Northern Virginia. 57(1):3-8. James, P. 1996. Penstemon 'Agnes Laing' Rediscovered. 55(2): 20-23. James, P. 1997. A Note on Penstemon tenuis. 56(2):25-26. James. P. 1999. Exploring Oregon. 58(1):28-34. James, P. 1999. APS Conference/Annual Meeting Year 2000. 58(2):75-76. James, P. 2000. American Penstemon Society Conference 2000, July 9-13th. 59(1):4-7. James, P. 2000. My Top Ten Penstemon Choices. 59(1):13-15.

Jennings, M. and T. Sexson. 2000. News Release: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Discovery of Endangered Plant, Blowout Penstemon, in Wyoming. 59(1):25-27. Jones, L. 1985. Verticilium infection. 44(2): 12. Kelaidis, G. 1986. The smallest Penstemon. 45(1): 2-3. Kelaidis, G. 1986. Small Penstemons for small rock gardens and troughs. 45(2): 44-46. Kelaidis, G. 1989. More thoughts on the Penstemon pest. 48(1): 36. Kelaidis, G. 1989. A Penstemon pest: The Pittosporum Pit Scale. 48(2): 49-52. Kelaidis, G. 1991. Getting to know Penstemons. 50(2): 67-76. Kelaidis, G. 1991. The Cristati Penstemons. 50(2): 79-88. Kelaidis, G. 1991. Germination in Penstemons: An interpretation and comments. 50(1):7-12. Kelaidis, G. and P. Kelaidis. 1987. The mat Penstemons. 46(1): 20-25. Kelaidis, P. 1984. Cover: Penstemon cobaea. 43(2): 2-4. Kelaidis, P. 1984. A walk through the rock alpine garden at Denver Botanic Gardens.43(l): 16- 26. Kelaidis, P. 1985. Penstemons in the front range region of Colorado. 44(1): 5-16. Kelaides, P. 1988. Penstemon secundiflorus & P.harbouri. 47(2): Covers. Kelaidis, P. 1989. The Scarlet Penstemon. 48(2): 43-48. Kelaidis, P. 1992. Penstemon whippleanus. 51(1):44. Kelaidis, P. 1989. Penstemon pseudospectabilis. 48(2): 96. Kelaides. P. 1991. Covers: Penstemon grahamii. 50(2): 96. Kelaidis, P. 1992. George Yingling. 51(2): 54-55. Kelaidis, P. 2001. Roy Davidson: A Friend, Mentor and Plantsman. 60(1):68-70. Kelso T. and J. Lawton. 1996. Botanical Notes from the Arkansas Valley I: The resurrection of Penstemon versicolor. 55(2): 14-16. King, B. 2002. American Penstemon Society(APS) Annual Meeting"Staking the Wild Penstemon of Southern Utah" Saturday June 1 to Tuesday June 4,2002. 61(1):10-14. Klima, J. 2006. Penstemon Determination. 65(2):27-33. Langford, L. 1980. Flower photography. 39(1): 20-23. Lewis, G. 1983. Impressions of a first trip to Japan. 42(2): 7-14. Lindgren, D. 1984. 'Husker Red'. 43(1): 9. Lindgren,D. 1984. Yellow flowered Penstemon barbatus. 43(1): 10-11 Lindgren, D. 1986. Penstemon as a cut flower. 45(2): 19-21. Lindgren, D. 1994. The need to register new cultivar names: Penstemon, a case study. 53(2): 16- 20. Lindgren, D. 1995. The American Penstemon Society 1995 Awards. 54(2): 76-78. Lindgren, D. 1996. A note on Penstemon in England. 55(1): 34-35. Lindgren, D. 1996. The yellow-flowered Penstemons. 55(2): 3-10. Lindgren, D. 1996. Obituary of George Yingling. 55(2): 32-33. Lindgren, D. 1997. Author Index to Articles in the APS Bulletin 1979-1996. 56(1):21-25. Lindgren, D. 2000. 1999-2000 Membership List of the APS. 59(1):54-75. Lindgren, D. 2000. Book Review: Penstemons by Robert Nold. 59(1):76-77. Lindgren, D. 2000. 1999 Registration of Named Cultivars of Penstemons. 59(2):97-98. Lindgren, D. 2000. Application for Registration of Named Cultivar (species or hybrid) of Penstemon. 59(2):99-100. Lindgren, D. 2000. Obituary: Doreen James 59(2):124. Lindgren, D. 2001. American Penstemon Society -2000 Application for Registration of Named Cultivars of Penstemon. 60(1):20-25. Lindgren, D. 2003. Project Proposal to the American Penstemon Society. 62(1):36-37. Lindgren, D. 1999. APS Meeting in Northern New Mexico. 58(2):77-79.

Lindgren, D. 2002. 2001 Registration of Named Cultivars of Penstemon. 61(1):18-19. Lindgren, D. 2002. Membership Listing of the American Penstemon Society. 61(1):32-47. Lindgren, D. 2003. A Tribute to Peter James 62(2):29-30. Lindgren, D. 2004. Update on the APS Plant Evaluation Trial. 63(2):26. Lindgren, D. 2005 Member Listing of the APS 64(2):48-60. Lindgren, D. 2006, Sixty Years: A Look Back 65(2):6-17. Lindgren, D. 2007. Update on the Registration of Named Cultivars of Penstemon. 66(1):47-49. Lindgren, D. and D. Schaaf. 2000. The Persistence of Foliage Color in Penstemon digitalis. 59(2):10-12. Lindgren, D. and D. Schaaf. 2005. Influence of Seed Stratification and Seed Age on Emergence of Penstemon 64(2):22-29. Lindgren, D.T., D. Whitney and J. Fitzgerald. 1988. Response of cut flower spikes of Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' to floral preservatives and chilling periods. 47(2):7-8. Lindgren, D.T. 2004.Updating the List of Named Cultivars of Penstemon. 63(2):27-32. Lindgren, D. 2006. Update on the Registration of Named Cultivars of Penstemon 65(1):48-50. Lodewick, K. 1979. Origin of the name "Penstemon". 38(2): 23. Lodewick, K. 1979. Species found out of normal range. 38(2): 23. Lodewick, K. 1995. What's next on the Penstemon key. 54(1): 14-15. Lodewick, K. 1997. Penstemons in Oregon: A Preview of the 1998 APS Annual Meeting in Eugene, Oregon 56(2):22-24. Lodewick, K. 2002. Penstemon Nomenclature 3rd Edition. 61(2):19. Lodewick, K. and R. Lodewick. 1981. Notes on Penstemon species range. 40(2): 15-16. Lodewick, K. and R. Lodewick. 1982. Proper use of scientific names. 41(2): 17. Lodewick, K. and R. Lodewick. 1982. Warning! Penstemon on the loose. 41(2): 18-19. Lodewick, K. and R. Lodewick. 1983. Name change. 42(1): 4-5. Lodewick, K. and R. Lodewick. 1983. Penstemon authorities. 42(2): 2-3. Lodewick, K. and R. Lodewick. 1984. What is a Penslemonl 43(2): 4-20. Lodewick, K. and R. Lodewick. 1986. How to use a KEY. 45(2): 46-50. Lodewick, K. and R. Lodewick. 1989. A Penstemon pest. 48(1): 36. Lodewick, K. and R. Lodewick. 1990. Naming Penstemon in early Oregon. 49(1): 13-21. Lodewick, K. and R. Lodewick. 1991. Dr. John Mitchell as a botanist. 50(1):13-17. Lodewick, K. and R. Lodewick. 1991. Penstemon deustus. 50(1): 18. Lodewick, K. and R. Lodewick. 1992. Penstemon species with alternate or whorled leaves. 51(1):3A Lodewick, K. and R. Lodewick. 1993. New flowers in a new land (Dr. J. R. Cardwell). 52(2): 2-6. Lodewick, K. and R. Lodewick. 1993. Penstemon gentianoides. 52(2): 6. Lodewick, K. and R. Lodewick. 1995. Changed names in Penstemon. 54(2): 29-34. Lodewick, K . and R. Lodewick. 1997. A Review of Dee Strickler's Northwest Penstemons. 56(2):43. Lodewick, R. 1980. Penstemon glaucinus. 39(2): 18. Lodewick, R. 1988. Penstemon hybrids in the Glacier National Park area. 47(2): 3-6. Lodewick, R. 1995. Descriptive Key to Oregon Penstemon. 54(2): 35-52. Lodewick R. 2004. Almeta Barrett: A Woman Botanist in Oregon. 63(2):22-25. Lodewick, R. and K. Lodewick. 2002. Penstemon hirsutus. 61(1):16–17. Lupp, R. 1994. The smaller Penstemons of Washington state. 53(1): 3-5. Lutz, A. 2000. Conservation Genetics of the Endangered Species P. Caryi. 59(1):16-18. MacKaness, F. 1982. Handling your Penstemon harvest. 41(1): 11-12. Maffitt, G. 2001. Roadside Identification of Penstemon. 60(1):4-7. Maffitt, G. 2002. Penstemon richardsonii A Little Traveling Music, Please. 61(2):2-5. Maffitt, G. 2004. 2004 Annual American Penstemon Society Meeting 63(1):7-8. Maffitt, G. Penstemon Hunt Success. 63(1):13-15. Maffitt, G. 2004. APS 2004 Tour Participants. 63(2):16.

Maffitt, G. 2004. Penstemons Without Umbrellas. 63(2):17-21. Maffitt, G. 2004. The Dreaded Pittosporum (Pit) Scale.63(20):40-41. Maffitt, G. 2005. Penstemon List Serve Messages - 'Hot Penstemon Spots' 64(2):61-62. Maffitt, G. 2006. Penstemon Touring in the Desert and Beyond - APS Annual Meeting of 2005 65(1):21-25. Maffitt, G. 2007. Troughs as Organic Creations. 66(1):22-28. Maier, L. 2001. 2001 APS Meeting Field Trip Suggested Stops. 60(2):49-54. Marty, L. 2003. Notice of release of 'Old Works' Fuzzytongue Penstemon (Penstemon eriantherus Pursh. var. eriantherus). 62(2):4-7. McDonough, M. 1979. Penstemon gairdneri and friends. 38(2): 15-17. McDonough, M. 1981. Cutting exchange schemes. 40(2): 11-13. McDonough, M. 1982. Cutting Exchange Update. 41(1): 13-16. McDonough, M. 1982. Beware the European Penstemon. 41(2): 19-21. McDonough, M . 1983. Report of the 1983 APS Cutting Exchange. 42(2): 51-53. McFarlane, B. 2001. Traveling to Walla Walla for the APS Meeting, June 2001. 60(2):55-58. McFarlane, B. C. Strickler, and E. Wilde. 2002. APS 2002 Annual Meeting Trip in Utah 61(2):14-18. McFarland, R. 2004. CD Review: Penstemons: An Interactive Guide with Photos by William R. Gray. 63(1):9-11. McFarlane, B. 2004. 2005 APS Meeting in Bishop, California. 63(2):4-5. McFarlane, B. 2004. 2004 APS Seed Exchange. 63(2):34-35. McFarlane, B. and P. McFarlane. 2005. APS 2005 Annual Meeting in Bishop, CA. 64(1):3-9. McFarland, B. 2005. 2004 Summary of the APS Seed Exchange Program 64(2):41. McFarlane, B. and P. McFarlane. 2006. The APS Seed Exchange: Report for 2005, Announcement of 2006 Program 65(2):24-25. McKimmie, T. 1998. Book Review: Penstemons: The Beautiful Beardstongues of New Mexico by Jean Heflin. 57(2):40-41 McWilliam, A. 1979. A redefinition of Penstemon arkansanus PENNELL. 38(1): 18-19. McWilliam, A. 1981. The taxonomic status of Penstemon wherryi Pennell. 40(1): 18-20. McWilliam, A. 1982. Official list of named varieties and hybrids registered by the American Penstemon Society: 1958-1973. 41(2): 23-25. Metcalf, H. 1982. Penstemon experience in Montana. 41(2): 30-31. Meyers, B. 1998. A Summary of Bruce Meyers' Penstemon Hybridizations. 57(2):2-11. Meyers, B. 1999. Comparative Study of Penstemon barrettiae Colonies. 58(2):55-67. Meyers, B. 1999. Bees and Penstemon. 58(2):73-74. Miller, J. G. 1996. Back from Limbo: Penstemon haydenii. 55(2): 13. Moore, G. 1979. Some Penstemon pollinators. 38(1): 12-17. Moore, G. 1980. Concerning Penstemon hybridization. 39(1): 12-16. Moshier, M. 2001. A Tribute to LeRoy(Roy) Davidson. 60(1):66-67. Neese, E. 1983. P. albifuvis, P. angustifolius andP.grahamii. 42(2): 45-51. Nicholls, W. K. 1993. Penstemon fruticosus var.fruticosus 'Purple Haze'. 52(1): 10. Nold, B. 1993. Penstemonium: Large Penstemon in the dry garden. 52(1): 3-6. Nold, B. 1994. Some Penstemons for the dry garden. 53(1): 10-12. Nold, B. 1994. Penstemons from seed, the easy way. 53(1): 13-15. Nold,B. \996.Penstemon alpinus. 55(2): 11-12. Nold, B. 1998. Another Look at Penstemon versicolor Pennell. 57(2):12-16 Olinsky, M. 1981. Let's get rid of soil. 40(1): 3-5. Olinsky, M. And G. Yingling. 1984. Book Review. Intermountain Flora Vol. Four, New York Botanical Garden. 43(1): 4-7. Olmstead, R. 2003. Whatever Happened to the Scrophulariaceae? 62(1):2-11.

Olthof, P. 1986. The Penstemons of western Canada. 45(1): 4-23. Osburn, R. 1987. Penstemon montanus var. idahoensis. 46(2): 7-8. Osbum, R. 1988. Experimenting with sand beds. 47(1): 18-21. Parsons, L. 2000. An Invitation to Join Penstemon-L. 59(1):3. Parsons, L. 2003. The Large-Flowered Penstemons. 62(1):23-25. Parsons, L. 2004. Book Review. Growing Penstemons: Species, Cultivars and Hybrids. 63(1):12-13. Parsons, L. 2004. Seed Collecting Guidelines for Penstemon Conservation. 63(2):36-39. Parsons, L. 2005. APS 2006 Annual Meeting: Arizona Penstemons in the Wild and Capacity 64(2):4-6. Parsons, L. 2005. Time to Think Seeds64(2):42-44. Parsons, L. 2006. APS 2006 Annual Meeting - Arizona Spring: Penstemons in the Wild and Captivity 65(1):4-9. Parsons, L. 2007. Idaho Preview Treks in 2006. 66(1):5-10. Parsons, L. 2007. APS 2007 Annual Meetings: “I'd Go to Idaho”. 66(1):11-16. Parsons, L. 2007. New U.S. Rules for Importation of Small Lots of Seed. 66(1):17-19. Pennington, B. 1995. Three prime spots for Penstemon watching. 54(1): 6-7. Pennington, B. 2000. Strangers in a Strange Land or the 2000 APS Conference 59(2):87. Pennington, B. 2007. Putting my Mouth on the Map. 66(1):20-21 Peterson, B. 1980. Good beginners. 39(2): 18. Peterson, B. 1984. Cultivars and nursery summary, 1984. 43(1): 11-15. Pierce, A. 1987. East meets west: two favorite Penstemons. 46(1): 18-20. Pilz, E. 1979. Indian uses for Penstemons in medicine and other ways. 38(2): 24-25. Pitman, J and P. Pitman. 2005. Garden Report from England 64(2):30-39. Priest, A. 1985. On the Penstemon trail with Carl Worth. 44(2): 14-29. Reed, C. 1989. Claude A. Barn Pioneer Botanist and Plantsman. 48(1): 18-35. Reed, C. 1997.American Penstemon Society 1997 Annual Meeting. 56(1):51-53. Rembetski, J. 2003. Notes on Growing Some Penstemons in Austin, Texas. 62(2):8-10. Spomer, A. 1981. Container soils are different. 40(1): 8-13. Stieve, S. 2006. Saving the World's Flowers - Genebank Preserves Flower Germplasm from around the World. 65(1):15-16. Stermitz, F. R. 1992. Penstemon chemistry. 51(2): 49-50. Stermitz, F. R. 1993. Penstemaniacs of the insect world: Butterflies and moths which are Penstemon specialists. 52(1): 7-9. Stermitz, F. R. 1996. Comments on "Resurrection of Penstemon versicolor". 55(2): 17-19. Stermitz, F. 1999. Iridoid Glycoside Chemistry and Relationships Among Penstemon versicolor, P. secundiforus and P. mucronatus. 58(2):70-72. Stetson, D. 2004. The 2004 Annual American Penstemon Society Meeting. 63(2): 6-13. Straw, R. 1981. Botanical descriptions: Penstemon kunthii. 40(2): 60-62. Straw, R. 1981. Botanical descriptions: Penstemon campanulatus. 40(2): 62-64. Strickler, D. 1995. The 1995 APS Meeting. 54(2): 73-75. Stubbendieck, J. 1985. The ecology of Penstemon haydenii. 44(2): 10-12. Stubbendieck, J., J. Fitzgerald, D. Lindgren, and J. Lamphere. 1997 Penstemon haydenii'. An Update on an Endangered Species. 56(1): 3-7. Stubbendieck, J., R. Weedon, J. Traeger and D. T. Lindgren. 1982. Blowout Penstemon (Penstemon haydenii, S. Watson): Description, Status, and Culture of a Rare Species. 41(1): 4-6.

Swayne, J. 2001. Eastern Washington/Oregon 2001 Annual APS Meeting June 17, 2001. 60(1):15-19. Swayne, J. 2001. APS Annual Meeting Registrants, June 15-17. 60(2):43-46. Swayne, J. 2001. Plant Lists for the APS Meeting, June 15-17, 2001. 60(2):47-49. Swayne, J. 2002. The APS Seed Exchange. 61(2):6-13. Taylor, J. 1987. Santa Fe inspires hybridizer: Breeder for southwest Penstemons sought. 46(1): 14-18. Unzer, T. 1996. A German Penstemon fan at Hampton Court. 55(1):36-37. Unzer, T. 1997. Calgary to Columbia Falls: A Travelogue. 56(2):11-15. Unzner, T. 2001. A Penstemon Trip from Santa Fe to Walla Walla and Back. 60(2):59-61. Unzner, T. 2005. Why is a German women interested in wildflowers of Wyoming? 64(2):20- 21.:28-31. Vanderpoel, T. 1992. Penstemons and the restoration of the Oak Savanna. 51(2): 47-48. Vasall, J. 1990. Dasanthera cultivars and hybrids. 49(1): 3-12. Walker, S. 1995. Outstanding Penstemons of the Southwest. 54(1): 3-5. Walz, S. 2005. A Summary of the 2005 APS Meeting in Bishop, CA. 64(2):11-15. Webb, O. 1998. Ramblings of a First-Year Penstemaniac. 57(2):17-20. Weedon, R. and J. P. Hardy. 1989. Cover - Penstemon haydenii. 48(1): 40. Weedon, R., J. Stubbendieck and D. J. Norton. 1982. The Botanical Contributions of Claude A. Barr, H. 41(1): 6-9. Wheeler, L. 2003. American Penstemon Society Field Trip and Annual Meeting - July 7,2003. 62(2):16-18. Wilde, E. 1990. Survey of Penstemon grown by APS members. 49(1): 24-26. Wilde, E. 1994. Penstemons in the national parks. 53(1): 16-35. Wilde, E. 1995. Changes in Pen stemon names and classification. 54(1): 8-13. Wilde, E. 1995. A Supplement to "Penstemon in the National Parks". 54(2):54. Wilde, E. 1995. Obituary - Gladys Nisbet. 54(1): 40. Wilde, E. 1995. Note of the cover photos - P. mensarum and P. cyathophorus. 54(1): 41. Wilde, E. 1995. Draft species descriptions for the Penstemon manual, Part 1. 54(2): 3-28. Wilde, E. 1996. Draft species descriptions for the Penstemon manual, Part 2. 55(1 ):3-33. Wilde, E. 1996. Penstemon slides needed for the APS collection. 55(2): 45^9. Wilde, E. 1999. Information for the Northern New Mexico Annual Meeting June 18-21, 1999. 58(1):21-27. Wilde, E. 1999. Book Review. Key to the Genus Penstemon and its related Genera in the Tribe Cheloneae (Scrophulariacae) by Robin and Kenneth Lodewick. 58(2):115-117. Wilde, E. 1999. Obituary: Philip W. Pennington. 58(2):122. Wilde, E. 2001. 2001 APS Meeting, June 15th to June 17th, 2001. 60(2):41-43. Wilde, E. 2001. Obituary: Barbara Ellison. 60(2).76. Wilde, E. 2002. Have your Penstemons got Three-leaved Whorls? 61(1):3. Wilde, E. and D. Lindgren. 2002. Help! 61(2):20-23. Wilde, E. 2003. Penstemons for Gardeners. 62(2):2-3. Wilde, E. 2004. Using the Book: “Growing Penstemons: Species, Cultivars and Hybrids.” 63(2):33. Wilde, E. 2005. The First Annual Penstemon Festival at the Arboretum at Flagstaff 64(1):53-54. Wilde, E. 2005. Obituary. We Missed You, Laurin (Tribute to Laurin Wheeler) 64(1):55. Wilde, E. 2005. From Reno to Bishop and Back: Adventures of Exploration 64(2):16-20. Williams, A. and G. Williams. 1979. General seed mix. 38(2): 25. Wolfe, A. 1997. Penstemon Joins the Information Superhighway. 56(1):19-20.

Wolfe, A., P. Wilson, J. Thomson, S. Armbruster. 2000. Request for Pollen Packaging Schedules in Penstemon. 59(1):8-9. Woodward, B. 1979. Penstemon menziesii Hooker. 38(1): 8-9. Woodward, B. 1979. Penstemon rupicola (Piper) Howell 1901. 38(1): 10-11. Worth, C. 2003. Looking Back - In Pursuit of Penstemons. 62(1):12-22. Yingling, G. 1979. Propagating from cuttings. 38(1): 20-21. Yingling, G. 1979. The merits of vermiculite. 38(1): 23. Yingling, G. 1979. In memory of Ralph Bennett. 38(2): 8-9. Yingling, G. 1980. The merits of wetting agents. 39(1): 25-27. Yingling, G. 1981. The importance of selecting a growth medium with adequate aeration. 40(1): 5-13. Yingling, G. 1981. Fertilizers for use with soilless mixes. 40(1): 16-17. Yingling, G. 1982. In memory, Aileen McWilliam. 41(2): 6-7. Yingling, G. 1983. Release the roots. 42(1): 13-15. Yingling, G. 1987. Penstemon 'Prairie Dusk'. 46(2): 47-48. Yingling, G. 1987. Short life of plants no objection. 46(2): 48^19. Yingling, G. 1988. Germinating Penstemons from old seed. 47(2): 9-11. Yingling, G. 1991. Penstemon murrayanus. 50(2): 77-78.

Robin Letters

International Robin

Libby Wheeler, Fayetteville, Arkansas August 4, 2006

I just finished reading your most interesting robin letters and was cooled by all the talk of last winter’s snow in Norway, Sweden, Germany, and Montana. As I write this, it is 102 degrees F, and we have had no rain at my house in almost a month. This is a very discouraging time of the year to be a gardener in the Ozarks! All my efforts go into watering to keep plants alive, and nothing looks good in this heat. This is our second year of serious drought. I did have a few penstemon successes earlier this summer. My first penstemon grown from seed seems to be P. barbatus if my identification procedure is correct. I have only one plant, but it bloomed well and perhaps will seed. P. angustifolius, which did not bloom last year, was lovely this year - it must really like dry weather. I had the delicate P. tenuis growing even in the lawn, and P. digitalis and Husker Red grew as well as the garden weeds. I need to do some transplanting to better group the penstemons I have but will wait for cooler weather to try. More interesting than my garden this year have been the two trips I have taken, one to the APS meeting in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, and the other to the NARGS meeting in Snow Bird, Utah. I met Ellen Wilde in Sante Fe, NM, in March, and we drove in a caravan to see penstemons in the wild, the severe drought in the southwest allowed us to find plants only in gardens. But they were great gardens, beginning with the Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden. Here we had a tour of the medicinal uses of desert plants (agaves, aloes, creosote bushes, saguaro cacti, etc.). Nothing was wasted of these plants as they were cultivated. In Tucson, the highlight of the trip was Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. This huge outdoor museum gives a wonderful panorama of Sonora Desert life and is a zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden all intertwined. We also visited Tohono Chul Park, and some of us made it to the Tucson Botanical Garden and the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Penstemons seen included parryi, pseudospectabilis, palmeri, and eatonii. I just returned from the Rock Garden Society meetings in Snowbird, Utah, where I roomed with Thea and talked with Kari and her husband. So I am sure they will have plenty to add about these meetings. Just behind the lodge where we stayed in Snowbird was a hiking trail to Lake Catherine, which meandered through wildflowers like I have never seen before. I had trouble sitting through talks with slides when we could find the real thing just outside. Especially wonderful were the field of Elephant’s Head (Pedicularis groenlandica) and the expanse of Bluebells (Mertensia lanceolata). The penstemons we saw in bloom were P. cyananthus and P. whippleanus. Thea and I chose the field trip to the Teton Mountains, and our group took the cable car up to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain, where we were treated to an amazing array of alpine plants in flower. Most spectacular was the James’ Saxifrage (Telesonix jamesii) growing in the crevice of a huge rock. And most amusing was seeing Thea setting on a saddle barstool in the Million dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson, Wyoming!

Thea Unzner, Sconeiche, Germany September 1, 2006

My last letter in our Robin was of January 12, when my flowers in the garden were covered with snow –now 8 months later fall has started after a very hot and dry summer. The record was the hottest July with always more than 30oC and more sunny days than normal. But August become much cooler and wetter than usual. My Penstemons were great in surviving the hottest days! While other flowers were flabby or burned by the heat, all Penstemons were standing upright, the leaves green, the flowers splendid without any damage. I had never so much joy with my Penstemons! All were blooming together: P. procerus, serrulatus, ovatus, pruinosus, digitalis, confertus, barbatus, whippleanus and many, many barbatus hybrids in pink, violet, blue or red color. Many other American wildflowers bloomed among the Penstemons: Erigeron, Eriogonums, Liatris, Phlox, Calylophus, Eschscholzia, Solidago, Lesquerella, Oenothera, and many more. Now the fall flowers, mostly yellow, are blooming: Rudbeckia, Helenium, Heterotheca, Viguieria (Heliomeris) and here and there some last flowers of Penstemon smallii and the Mexican hybrids. As Libby mentioned, I took part in the meeting of the NARGS in Snowbird/Utah in July. With Libby as my roommate we went to Jackson in the Teton Mountains, where we found many small flowers on the dry rocky slopes. Penstemon whippleanus was blooming there among Erigerons, Hymenoxis grandiflorus, Castilleja sulphurea, Phacelia hastata, a yellow Pedicularis and a nice pure white Aquilegia. Many Zigadenus elegans everywhere between the rocks showed us greenish-white star flowers and there was a large, blue spot with Penstemon attenautus ssp. pseudoprocerus sprenkled with white Erigerons. On the return from the Teton Mountains we had a long stop at Tony Grove in Utah. We walked around the lake and had a look at wonderful slopes with flowers in all colors: Geraniums, Agastache, Arnica, Aquilegia, Castillega, Gilia, Mertensia and, and, and ..... Only one Penstemon was growing there, I think, it was P. cyaananthus. I also took part in the post conference tour to the Bighorn Mountains. That was indeed a great experience, we started from Utah and turned east though the sagebrush prairie in West Wyoming. Gray sagebrush as far as the eye can see, only interrupted sometimes by the yellow rabbit-brush, Chrysothamnus nauseosus. We passed the South Pass and came to Riverton, which also was to be the last stop after our trips in the mountains after 5 days. We had two overnight stays in the Bear Lodge Resort at Burgess Junction and another one in Cody. It was all the time very hot and dry in this region, too, and many flowers we should have seen, were gone. Mostly the bus or a shuttle car took us to the height of about 3000 m and because I can’t hike higher, I only can tell you about the flowers we saw as this elevation. There were many alpine plants like Petrophytum caespitosum, Dryas octopetala, Oxyria digyna, Telesonix jamesii, Astragalus kentrophyta, Eriogonums, small Asters and Erigerons, also two species of Gentiana. Aguilegia jonesii and Primula parryi we found only with seed stems, it was the same with the striking Frasera speciosa, the giant gentian. Very impressive were always the carpets with yellow Arnica, on the edge of last snow fields just as at the dry road side. I am very glad I have got to know again a wonderful part of the mountains in the USA with so many new flowers. As to the trip to the Bighorn Mountains, we were an international team. Besides the members of the US some plant friends from Australia, from the UK, a couple from Denmark and one from Germany. It has been indeed a wonderful, very well organized trip and we learned a lot about the flora of the Bighorn Mountains. Betty Hall was my room mate on this trip and I am very grateful to her and Libby’s help, when I didn’t understand the other people speaking so quickly and they had to translate it for me. Dee, when I read your letter about your trip to Swan Range, I remember when Pauline Olthof and I were with you and we also admired the road cuts blue with Penstemons. You also led us to a hill, which was full with Lewisia rediviva, a plant I had never seen before. I looked at my map to find Stanley in Idaho and I hope I’ll be able to take part in the meeting of the APS next year. I believe, in the next Robin we’ll hear more about the Penstemons blooming in Sweden, Norway and England, in March and April Ingemar and Gunne-Bert could tell us only about their seedlings. We’ll have now another member in our Robin, Eric Horton from Ipswich/Suffolk/UK. He has been for a long time in our Robin, but he left the APS, because he took on other commitments after his retirement. We stayed in contact all the time and now he renewed his membership and will again be in the International Robin. Welcome in our circle, Eric. I am eager hearing news of Penstemons, how they were blooming in this summer with the extremely high temperatures and the long dryness in June and July.

Kari Wang, Oslo, Norway October 26, 2006

Yesterday was the first nice day in weeks since we returned from France at the end of September. October has been much more rainy than normal. It has been fantastic for the wild mushrooms, however, we have been able to collect both for eating, drying and the fridge. The main event of this year, of course, was the birth of our grandchild, a little girl called Wendy. She was born 3 weeks before we traveled to Utah. Both mother, father and child are all doing very well, being spoiled by both sets of grandparents! So what to report about Penstemons? At least I can tell you that several have flowered very well this year, although later than normal, due to a very cold, long spring. The “common” ones, like P. serrulatus, fruticosus and whippleanus all did superbly. P. barbatus, which I think every spring is dead, had a good show, P. hallii did all right but not very impressive and P. teucrioides, which usually flowers profusely, had only a few flowers this year. Maybe the spring was too cold. P. bracteatus showed off in June as well as P. rupicola finally after 4 years of waiting. Half the plant died off in May, I’m not certain why, but as I said it flowered and looks very well now. Of the seedlings put out last year, two lots did not show up, but P. globosus, P. humilis v. humilis and P. heterodoxus v. heterodoxus, seed from Ron Ratko, survived the winter well in their new bed and should hopefully flower next year. Germination of seed this spring was very erratic, and very few Penstemon seedlings showed up.

The trip to the USA in July/August was very nice, in spite of unusual heat, at least in Minneapolis. I’m not too happy with temperatures soaring to almost +40 degrees C, so much time was spent inside. The Conference was very interesting and the excursions very good indeed. I tend to agree with Libby that when the plants are around outside, why not go and look at them. We arrived in Snowbird one day before the Conference was due to begin, so we had a field day in the meadows behind the hotel, and it was obvious that the flowering was at its best. We saw some incredible stands of Veratrum californicum in a very wet area. Others were Lupinus argenteus, Helianthella uniflora, Linum lewisii, Aquilegia coerulea in a splendid white form (see Thea’s photograph), Polemonium pulcherrimum, Geranium viscoissimum, Castilleja rhexifolia and Mertensia ciliata, plus several others. We took the gondola to the top of the mountain, and here we found Penstemon humilis in full flower, and a dusky color form of P. whippleanus. Another memorable find of the day was a large stand of Primula parryi. After the various talks with slideshows on Saturday the Conference was split in 5 parties, one stayed in the Wasatch mountains and the rest spread out in “nearby” mountain ranges, due to come back on Tuesday evening. We stayed in the area and were taken to Snow Basin, where some of the events of the Olympics had taken place. The area had many of the same flowers we had seen in Snowbird, but on the top we found some beautiful specimens of Calochortus nuttallii and the hillsides were full of Penstemon cyananthus, the Wasatch Penstemon. I have tried to flower this but lost the plants, after having seem them in the field I think I shall try again, the flower colour is superb. The following day 10 of our party set out to walk from Little Cottonwood Canyon, where Snowbird is, into the Big Cottonwood Canyon, the next one north, where we should pick them up in the afternoon. We walked from Alta to the top of Katherine Pass, through superb meadows of Penstemon cyananthus, looking particularly good with the white flowers of Linanthus nuttallii, when I grew this it was known as Linanthastrum nuttallii. Sadly I have lost it, but shall try it again, it is well worth the effort. Two more memorable sights from this walk was a marshy area with hundred of Pedicularis groenlandica, Caltha leptosephala and Dodecatheon alpinum dotted here and there, and two hillsides with yellow Linum kingii and Castilleja applegatei. The last one being bright red. In Big Cottonwood Canyon we walked around Silver Lake, admiring the lovely setting of the lake, a large moose feeding 20 metres from the wooden walkway and some beautiful Pyrola asarifolia. The last day we were taken to Salt Lake City to admire the wild garden on top of the new Convention Center. It was quite amazing to see all the greenery and water arrangement on the sides and top of the building, particularly when I take the heat into consideration. In the afternoon we went to Ruby Garden, which I found very interesting and would like to visit again on a cooler day. On the Wednesday we had the morning free, so we went back to Big Cottonwood Canyon, to try and locate Penstemon platyphyllus, we had been told it was growing there, but had not seen it from the bus going back. We found it, growing right beside the road, in pure sand and gravel, very nice reddish pink colour and quite large plants. The Conference ended with a very nice dinner and a presentation of pictures taken by all the parties on the various trips. We brought the heat back with us to Minneapolis, but we managed a day in the nearby Arboretum, when it was a bit rainy and not too hot. Back in Norway in August we got quite a lot of rain. We spent most of September driving down to Vence, via Austria and a lovely trip to the mountains in the Vorarlberg, stayed in Vence for two weeks and then drove back to Oslo. October has also been very rainy, so much so that I am glad that I am gardening on a slope, but it has been very mild, so most of the shrubs and trees still have their leaves, although they have begun coloring. We leave for Venice again on Sunday, to spend two weeks there and check that everything is now working properly.

Ingemar Bjork, Huddinge Sweden November 15, 2006 It was very interesting to read about the APS and NARGS meetings in US. Even if I didn’t participate I could easily recall my own memories of the areas visited. In my letter of March 2006 I indicated that I should summarize my germination of Penstemon seeds sown in papers at outdoor conditions. When I looked at the last year germination results, I realized further frustration, that I had discarded the file from the computer. I hope that I have a paper copy somewhere, but just now I have to do without that. I have therefore only transmitted a summary of earlier germination results. If you are looking at the germination test results please don’t get the idea, that I have a lot of established Penstemon plants. I don’t. Until 2003 I had two gardens one in Huddinge and one on Uto (arachipelago), where my wife and I spend a lot of time during the summer. The conditions for the two gardens were very different. The garden in Huddinge was very small, which allowed only a small number of Penstemons. Due to an irrigated scree bed, however, the growing conditions were close to optimal. Our plot on Uto is one acre, but my gardening activities are limited to just a fraction of that, mainly on bare rocks, as a complement to existing wild environment (partly woodland). The “gardened” area is in full sun and by Swedish standard very hot. I have tried to incorporate several Penstemon species, but the success has so far been very limited. After the move from the Huddinge house to a flat late 2003 I am still in a mental transition and decision phase. All planted area on Uto were built at least 25 years ago and intended for different types of “alpines’. To rebuild the areas today with the original purpose in mind would probably be a tremendous task and also require a lot of irrigation. By looking at the plants that are still thriving (Opuntias, Eriogonums and Erigerons), I have realized that a more realistic alternative should be to concentrate on just Xerophytes. It is frustrating that it has taken so many years to realize that. Concerning Penstemons I intend to try as many of the woody species as possible as a complement to existing Xerophytes. I will also provide the Penstemons with drip irrigation if necessary. A short summary of my limited Penstemon experience follows:

DRAINAGE BED - HUDDINGE 1990 - 2003 A 15" thick drainage bed (berm) with grit, gravel and coarser materials was laid upon a stiff clay flat surface in a full son/hot part of the garden. A year after planting, when the roots of the plants were supposed to have reached the clay, no further watering was necessary. The following Penstemon species was tested on this site.

Penstemon caespitosus v perbrevis The seeds were sown early 1998, and from then on I found the cultivation very easy with a fast increase in size and floweriness. When we left the house in 2003 the plant indicated a tendency to be long-lived. The only drawback was that it should have been much more impressive in a trough.

SCREE (MORAINE) BED - HUDDINGE 1990 - 2003 The scree was basically an 8" thick bed of 2-4 mm grit on a slightly sloping ledge of bare rock. On the upper end of the ledge and directly on the surface of the rock a dozen irrigating “drippers” were laid out, each delivering a few liters/hour. In fact the irrigation system was found necessary to spare me the trouble of every day manual watering. During the vegetation period the irrigation was automatically put on for half an hour every morning and evening. At prolonged dry spells the length of the irrigation periods was increased. Several mountain species as Androsace carnea, Douglasia laevigata and Douglasia montana appreciated the scree very much. So did also the following four Penstemon species.

Penstemon davidsonii v menziesii microphyllus

Probably sown early 1995 and planted out 1997 in a sunny situation between narrow vertical slabs (crevice gardening) in the scree. From the beginning the plant proved its fully acceptance of the site by filling the available space between the slabs and by spilling over them.

Penstemon red flowering hybrid (similar to P. rupicola) Planted out 1997 in a similar site in the scree but between pieces of rocks instead of vertical slabs. Also this hybrid showed the acceptance of the situation by good growth and floweriness.

Penstemon newberryi spp newberryi and P newberryi spp sonomensis The two plants were planted out in 1997 in a half-shady narrow cleft adjacent to and about 5" above the scree. The roots of the plants had full access to the moisture in the bottom of the scree. Also those plants showed very good growth and floweriness.

Conclusions In my opinion the scree with a buried drop watering system is as close to an optimum way to grow the woody mountain Penstemon species from the northwestern part of the US territory. Unfortunately I had to leave the garden too early to judge the useful life of those Pents that in 2003 to me appeared indestructible.

SCREE BED - UTO 1983 - PRESENT Most of the gardening activities on Uto are concentrated on a south slope in full sun and on bare rock. The micro climate on that particular area is more Californian than Swedish. Twenty years gardening has convinced me that the Scree Bed probably is the most useful way to grow plants of interest to me. A deep Scree bed conserves enough moisture even during a prolonged dry spell. My gardening therefore has been concentrated to four Scree Beds, all in full sun. The most reliable inhabitants are Eriogonums, Erigerons and prickly bushes as Alyssuym spinosum and Vella sponosa. I have also tried the following Penstemon species.

Penstemon fruticosus ssp serratus ‘Holly’ Probably sown early 1995 and planted out 1997. A color slide shows that the plant flowered beautifully the next year. After that I have to rely upon my bad memory. The plant probably flowered well during a couple of years. The last two or three years, however, it has not produced a single flower but is still alive. When summing-up my very limited experience in Penstemons, I have come to the conclusion that I should plant as many woody Penstemon species as possible in my scree beds and in troughs. I will this time be prepared that they have a limited useful life and put out new plants when necessary. I will probably also install an irrigation system with individual drippers to all Penstemons.

GRIT BED - UTO 1983 - PRESENT The grit bed is based upon Norman Denos sand bed idea, but the sand is replaced by 2-4 mm grit. The site is in full sun on bare rock and the 20" thick bed is stabilized by incorporating a lot of pebbles and boulders. The site is a desert area with two impressive Yucca glauca (not yet flowering), Asclepia tuberosa, Zauschneria garettii and a lot of Prickly Pears. I have also tried a few Penstemons on this site.

Penstemon palmeri This tall Penstemon with its big fragrant flowers was a spectacular sight for a period of two years, but it didn’t survive a third winter. I will probably try it again in my desert-like site.

(Editor’s Note: The Tables for Ingemar Bjork remarks are included at the end of the Robin Letters, pages 50-53)

Gunne-Bert Wedell, Bromma, Sweden. December 11, 2006

We soon learn that every year is a different one and this “2006" has been more different to all my years before. After a winter with good snow cover we got a cold dry and late spring. The snow evaporated and the only humidity in soil came from the melting frost in the ground. First spring flowers grew well but May-June flowering woodland plants had a very dry ground and grew very small with few flowers and little seedsetting. My Cardiocrinum cordifolium (normally 1.5-2 m) flowered in early July with a stem 50 cm tall and gave few flowers and no fertile seeds. A very unusual sight. After midsummer we suddenly got high-summer-temps (20-30C) but no rain before August which gave some 100 mm of rain. The high temps continued until end of October, still no rain. In early November we got two frostnights but summer temps came back until mid November when we turned over to fall temps and some little rain to and fro which still is the weather type. A very different year for us living close to 60 degrees North. A summer like this should have been good for many Penstemons but only P. serrulatus, P. virens and P. barbatus have flowered in my garden. My 8 year old P. richardsonii survived the winter but suddenly died in May. Seed germination has been low and I’ll meet the winter with very few penstemon plants for next year. I’ll say welcome back to Eric Horton, I myself have not been robin-member earlier but since 20 years back I have always read the robin letters in the journal and met you that way and in 1997 when I visited England I tried to contact you by phone but had no luck. I understand that Jill and Peter has applied for a National Collection of Penstemon. You are gardening in a wonderful part of England, it will be a dream to be able to see your garden some day. Dee: Thanks Dee for your nice report from your early summer trip up in the mountains with all the flowers, this reminds me of my two trips around in the Rockies in 1990 and 1998 and all the nice flowers we met. It is very good for us “Northern folks” to read Libby’s letters with reports from your southern position with very hot summers, this really points out how big the variation is among the

penstemons, and it is very astonishing that many of the southern penstemons species often grow well for us in our different climate type. Thea: Thanks to Thea for your nice pictures from your summer travels in the “Rockies” and your reports from these travels. With such good reports we can feel as if we had followed these trips ourselves and I remember my visit in Grand Teton in early June 1990 with all those nice flowers growing there. Kari, Thanks for good reports from your garden and all your travels through the year. It is nice to follow you at the “Conferences” and the flowers in Utah and hot Minneapolis. It seems that this specially hot summer has been the same also in USA. Now in mid December it is still unusually high temps in Bromma and we are now looking forward to see what the coming “winter” will give us. I send my best wishes to all of you for a good gardening year 2007 from a summer December day in Bromma.

Eric Horton, Ipswich, England December 15, 2006

I am back! Thea asked me to come back in and I am afraid to say, I am still a Dinosaur. I have not got a computer and if I set in front of a typewriter, my mind goes blank. I have been hooked’ on carrots and cabbages, etc. When I retired six years ago, I wanted a hobby that would keep me fit and out in the weather. It was either cycling or allotment gardening. I chose the latter and took over a scruffy-rundown bug-infested wilderness. There was no one in charge and it was ‘dying’. A special meeting was called and I was flattered to be asked to take over the helm. We now have a full field of 172 plot holders, a waiting list, a wildflower area etc. We have a plot with raised beds for disabled school children and another plot for a local infant school 5-7 years olds. They all love it and so do the plot holders. I stayed with Penstemons and Alpines as they are so diverse and interesting. I do have P. heterophyllum, P. barbatus and the hartwegii hybrids on my allotment. I use these for cuttings and seed as I belong to a lot of seed exchanges including the SRGC and I saw Kari’s name as a donor on the list. One snag I have found is that in a lot of the seed exchanges, people send in seed that is not what it is supposed to be. Hopefully I can start to build up a collection again. It was a surprise to hear that APS membership has dwindled so much, I did fill in the questionnaire and added my bit, I hope it can pick up as it has been going for some time. I have been corresponding with Thea for a long time and she has kept me up to date on what is happening out there beyond the allotment hedge!

Jill M. Pitman, Portland, Dorset UK 23 January 2007

Hello everyone, what a year it has been, we have had such warm weather even one of the ‘tender’ colored arum lilies has decided the time is right to start growing in a pot by the side gate. Well today the temperature has fallen somewhat, it is not freezing, but after the warm weather we will think it is. As the Pitmans are number six now on the robin’ list I see that some members have snow, but snow on Portland is a very rare occurrence - it even makes the local evening paper if it lasts overnight! The Eechium pininana are still looking good, one is ready to flower this year. After three years they will be about 12'0" tall and a column of blue, and then they die off and will fall over and scatter laterally thousands of seeds everywhere if I don’t get them first with a large fork. As I look out the window (I should be out there cutting down and tidying up ready for the first garden opening on Sunday 18 February, but I put my nose out and the rest of me decided not to follow....!) The hybrid penstemon which form the National Collection are putting up their new growth through last years old stems - we always tell visitors not to cut them down until after all chance of a frost has passed so that the old stems protect the new growth. We are very lucky on Portland as we rarely have a proper frost, but some of our visitors from the mainland have frosts which last for days, or even weeks - I tell visitors we on Portland don’t allow frosts across the beach road - which is one mile long and edged by Portland harbor all along one side, and the famous Chesil Beach on the other - the beach is made up of tiny pea sized pebbles at Bridport and by the time it gets to Portland eighteen miles round Lyme Bay we have boulders the size of large dinner plates. I did have an enquiry at the end of last year from the main group of NCCPG (who govern/organize the National Collection Holders). A student in the Department of Rural Development, Uppsala in Sweden was requesting details or seed of Penstemon speciosus (The Royal Penstemon), I looked it up in Dee’s book and I hope I have some success with the seed. I put this as a choice on the APS seed list and asked Phoebe and Bob to try and include it in my selection. I wrote to the student and sent her a copy of the joining form which I received from Dwayne. When the seed order arrived Bob and Phoebe had put in the necessary P. sepciosus and I have sent them on to the student. I see on the Robin letter we have two members from Sweden, if I get agreement from the student I will forward her details to both members and hopefully they can get in touch and enjoy their mutual interest in Penstemon. The plan this year was for Peter (Under Gardner) to build a raised bed at the top of the garden for species penstemon, now he is laid up and in a brace after a back injury, I think the raised bed will have to go on hold until next year, or even the year after - still I can dream.

Table 1. Seedlings placed on the berm.

Species Location on berm Condition in February 07 Condition in late March 07

Classification Native toDenver Region attenuatus west end alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Penstemon Section: Penstemon Subsection: Proceri no breviculus west end alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Penstemon Section: Cristati no carnosus alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Penstemon Section: Coerulei no cinicola west end alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Penstemon Section: Penstemon Subsection: Proceri no clutei top alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Penstemon Section: Peltanthera Subsection: Peltanthera no comarrhenus west end and north side alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Habroanthus Section: Glabri no floridus north side alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Penstemon Section: Coerulei no havardii south side, base of berm probably dead both dead Subgenus: Penstemon Section: Peltanthera Subsection: Havardiani no leiophyllus west end alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Habroanthus Section: Glabri no

linarioides east end alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Penstemon Section: Ericopsis Subsection: Linarioides no ophianthus east end alive alive, but no new growth Subgenus: Penstemon Section: Cristati no procerus tolmei south side on a step alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Penstemon Section: Penstemon Subsection: Proceri no secundiflorus top alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Penstemon Section: Coerulei yes speciosus west end alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Habroanthus Section: Glabri no teucrioides north and top alive alive and adding new growth Section: Penstemon Section: Ericopsis Subsection: Caespitosi yes watsonii west end alive alive and adding new growth Section: Penstemon Section: Penstemon Subsection: Proceri yes wrightii (2 placed under plastic umbrella) 1 at berm base south side alive both placed on the south side under a protective umbrella; are alive and adding new growth Section: Penstemon Section: Peltanthera Subsection: Centranthi- folii no unknown (seed from public garden in Scottsdale, AZ, possibly subsection Centranthifolii or Peltanthera south side1 alive, 3 in poor condition one at base of south side of berm alive and thriving; one placed on steps on south side died and 2 placed above but outside the protective umbrella on south side died This species has large, leathery blue-grey leaves. It appears it will be a tall plant. At present it is sending up several stems. NA

Table 2. Seedlings placed in the open garden.

Species Condition in February 07 Condition in late March 07 Classification Native to Denver region angustifolius alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Penstemon Section: Coerulei yes barbatus alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Habroanthus Section: Elmigera no brandegei alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Habroanthus Section: Glabri no caryi alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Habroanthus Section: Glabri no clutei alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Penstemon Section: Peltanthera Subsection: Peltanthera no cyaneus alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Habroanthus Section: Glabri no eatonii alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Habroanthus Section: Elmigera no floridus alive 2 dead, 1 alive Subgenus: Penstemon Section: Peltanthera Subsection: Peltanthera no glaber alpinus alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Habroanthus Section: Glabri no havardii 1 unprotected, alive, 2 under umbrella dead none expected to survive Subgenus: Penstemon Section: Peltanthera Subsection: Havardiani no leiophyllus alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Habroanthus Section: Glabri no lentus albiflorus alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Penstemon Section: Coerulei no payettensus alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Habroanthus Section: Glabri no pruinosus alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Penstemon Section: Penstemon Subsection: Humiles no rostiflorus alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Saccanthera Section: Bridgesiani no secundiflorus alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Penstemon Section: Coerulei yes venustus alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Saccanthera Section: Saccanthera Subsection: Serrulati no virgatus alive alive and adding new growth Subgenus: Habroanthus Section: Glabri no unknown (seed collected from a public garden in Scottsdale, AZ) alive alive and adding new growthunlikely

Table 1. Germination of Penstemon seeds. SEED AGE AND PERCENT GERMINATION SPECIES APS NR 0 year 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years 6 years P albertinus 02-106 70 46 P arenicola 99-188 91 85 27 P attenuatus 01-122 85 P attenuatus 01-128 78 27 P auriberbis 00-12 Older seeds of unknown age 65 P barbatus (garden seeds) 02-111 50 P barrettiae 97-263 52 P barrettiae 98-18 Older seeds of unknown age 63 P brandegei 01-125 63 52 P brevicaulis RMRP 00 65 P cardinalis 04-058 62 P cardwellii 97-222 48 P cardwellii 00-150 50 17 P cardwellii 02-058 24 P cardwellii 02-061 52 71 P caryi 02-014 48 58 P. cinicola 99-189 33

Table 1. Germination of Penstemon seeds (continued). SEED AGE AND PERCENT GERMINATION SPECIES APS NR 0 year 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years 6 years P cyaneus 99-002 low 62 P cyaneus 04-089 42 P davidsonii Own seeds 41 P davidsonii menziesii Own seeds 52 P deustus AGC 03 41 P digitalis 95-023 50 (7 yrs) P eriantherus SRGC 99 41 P euglaucus 97-186 85 65 P euglaucus 98-160 78 P fruticosus 03-009 74 P fruticosus 00-133 57 59 P glaber v alpinus 00-39 83 69 P globosus 02-018 100 96 55 P gormanii SRGC 04 90 P gracilentus 99-132 32 P hallii 02-153 67 P aff humilis 02-079 64 P jamesii 99-184 38

Table 1. Germination of Penstemon seeds (continued). SEED AGE AND PERCENT GERMINATION SPECIES APS NR 0 year 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years 6 years P laricifolius NARGS 50 P lentus 04-235 55 P nitidus 00-125 25 46 P nitidus 02-006 18 29 P nitidus 02-011 68 P ophianthus 04-020 80 P pachyphllus v congestus 04-239 42

P palmeri 01-160 83 P procerus 01-028 53 38 P pruinosus 97-262 54 P richardsonii 97-189 58 P rupicola SRGS 04 15 P serrulatus Own seeds Unknown age 93 P venustus 01-144 68 86 85 P virens 98-032 69 P virens 98-109 82 P virens 02-045 52 P whippleanus 00-177 88 88

“I’D GO TO IDAHO, 2007” Ginny Maffitt, Ersatz Historian and New Vice-P resident Sherwood, Oregon

Idaho provided the ideal setting for the annual 2007 American Penstemon Society conference in late June. Wildflowers, scenery and weather all combined to seemingly satisfy all participants, judging by the compliments received by President Louise and myself. The first get-together was on the patio of a small restaurant in Lower Stanley that overlooked the Salmon River. The backdrop was acres of meadows with grazing cows across the river, with the Sawtooth Mountains standing sentinel on the near horizon. Fifty- three members checked in, ordered lots of cold drinks and an early dinner, then proceeded to get acquainted. Probably the most distant travelers were Jane and Barrie Porteus from Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. Everyone seemed excited over the many penstemons seen on the drive coming in either south from Montana or north from Sun Valley as well as the charm of tiny Stanley. Most evidently, the city leaders had the foresight to preserve the Wild West architecture and continue that style. That evening, we joined Bernice Hartz, the forest ranger at Redfish Lake Park to hear just why Stanley began. Gold and silver, along with other precious metals, abound in the mountains, so the town became a supply hub for hundreds of miners and is actually smaller now than 100 years ago. She also explained the lake at the headwaters of the Salmon River got its name as the spawning place of the brilliant red Sockeye salmon, once abundant, now down to 6 returnees in 2006 due to dams along the Snake River. Saturday, we drove as a caravan through the wet mountain meadows to the west of Stanley following Nip and Tuck road. Frequently consulting the plant list Louise found (Plants of Blaine County, ID) groups formed, debated plant Ids and reformed at the next floral showing. At 6000’, wildflowers were in the peak of bloom, though the first wave of camas and dodecatheon (shooting star) was over. The cows didn’t mind as we tromped through a bountiful, wet meadow (earlier a bog from snowmelt). Waves of Penstemon (hereafter referred to as”P.”) rydbergii and procerus abounded with one unexpected patch of P. globosus. This latter species is well named with quite large globes of purple flowers, unlike the miniature, repeated globes of P. procerus. P. rydbergii has medium-size (1”) flowers occurring in crowded verticillasters (globes) and likes even moister meadows than P. procerus. Tiny delphineums, buttercup, creamy panicles of Saxifraga integrifolia and pale yellow Indian paint brush provided good photography with black cows and the Sawtooth mountains in the background. Sharp eyes spotted yellow Oenothera subacaulis (short-stemmed evening primrose) hiding from the sunlight under sagebrush. Gentian (probably calycosa, the bog gentian) was still in tight bud and sticky Polemonium viscosum was found just up the slope. A sharp floral contrast was provided just across the road as the land became high desert steppe. Here were found dark pink Allium acuminatum (taper-tip onion), many species of Eriogonum (wild buckwheat), a tiny, prickly, white Arenaria (sandwort), yellow Sedum lanceolatum (lance-leaf sedum) among many others. White frasera (Frasera montana) about 12-18” tall was seen all along Nip and Tuck road, generally in large groups. We lunched just west up Highway 20 under shady trees viewing more acres of wet meadow with violet Pedicularis groenlandica (elephant’s nose), buttercups and the white, scented bog-candle orchid, Habenaria dilatata v. dilatata in a tiny stream. Though sternly warned of its dangers, (traffic and falling rocks) before leaving Stanley, many of us ventured along the narrow Highway 75 between Lower Stanley and the main town to view the fabulous cliffs and scree beds. Here grow the largest, tallest plants of P. humilis I’ve ever seen. Though soldiering up through nasty clays and shifting rock, mats were often 12-18” across and loaded with blooming spikes of tiny purple racemes. Mixed closely in between was Penstemon aridus —nearly a look-alike until it was noticed that it had few or no basal leaves, while humilus had generous rosettes. Adding to the purple haze was Phacelia sericea in large mats and at least three species of buckwheat varying from white, pink and yellow. The fragile-seeming pink false-yarrow, Chaenactis aff. Douglasii, with silvery, finely cut leaves grew lavishly in the gravel on either side of the road. A tiny trail was found leading to the top of the cliff and Mary Cunningham (CA), Nathan Miller (OR), Louise and I couldn’t resist going just a little higher…and higher…until the whole Stanley basin was spread out to the south with the pinnacles of the Sawtooths going to the horizon. Breathtaking. At the top were the tiniest of desert dwelling mats of Eriogonum cespistosum with 2-3 mm-wide silver leaves and short-stemmed pink flowers side-by-side with mats of white Phlox austromontana and even more gnarled and miniature Phlox muscoides with leaves webbed like a spider’s work (seen only under a loupe). The rest of the day was spent crossing Galena Summit south to eventually check in to motels in the Sun Valley-Ketchum area. Since most highway pull-outs there are small, not traveling in a group allowed everyone the freedom to stop for flowers, views or even short hikes. Penstemons found along the pass included the impossibly blue P. cyananthus v. subglaber and v. cyananthus, which seem to have some color variations into violet. Dee Strickler in his “Northwest Penstemons” book illustrates sepal and leaf differences between these varieties and we felt we were sometimes seeing a mix of the two as we wandered. Some pink ones were found near Stanley Lake earlier in the day—love to be able to collect those seeds! Penstemon aridus and humilus was found on the steeper screes as well as P. deustus, which always looks to me like a bridal bouquet with numerous white stems arising from a narrow base. One suggested stop featured a red paintbrush (possibly Castilleja flava v fustica) which varied from plant to plant with hues of orange, gold and yellow…seemingly only found in that spot. Dinner that evening was in Ketchum at a Chinese restaurant that sent its other diners out to the patio while our large group had a great buffet. Bob Pennington, owner of Agua Fria Nursery in Santa Fe, invited us on the June, 2008 APS annual trip he and his wife, Jeni are planning to Nevada…details to follow. Stephen Love (a horticulture prof at the University of Idaho at Moscow and our new Bulletin editor) described the two-day extended trip folks could take on Monday and Tuesday. Louise introduced new officers for the coming year (see the summer email and newsletter for details) and a short board meeting was held with the new and old officers. Fox Creek Trail was our first destination on Sunday morning, just north of Ketcham. It is just one of a myriad of trails through the canyons that drop into Sun Valley and seemed to have the freshest, biggest floral variety. At the Wood River bridge leading to the loop trails, Dee Strickler (MT) spotted P. cyaneus and laxus for starters. Immediately up the trail were large mats of a vivid lavender P. fruticosus v fruticosus quite a bit larger than we see in the Cascade Mts. P. laxus appeared frequently along the 3 mile loop, looking like a Dr. Seuss drawing with a single lollipop globe on top. The tiny yellow fleabane, Erigeron linearis, began appearing as we wound up through volcanic spires, as well as cats-ear, Calachortus nuttallii (white with maroon spots) and one marvelous silver mat of buckwheat, Eriogonum ovalifolium with pea-sized leaves. P. deustus, humilis and cyananthus were found, plus vividly purple P. leonardii, which had been seen at Red Fish Lake last year, but not this one. My count was 12 species for

the two-day trip! Even the western peony, Paonia brownii, was found in abundance in a partially shady section near the bridge, along with peach colored western columbine. After lunch, we went to the base of the Dollar Mt. ski area up tiny rivulet that nurtured many P. procerus v procerus, camas, (Camassia quamash), sticky geranium Geranium viscossimum) and corn lilies (Veratrum veridum). At one small summit were found the very flat Eriogonum cespitosum again which had a great views, but absolutely no water in which to grow. A bus stop south of Ketchum along a bike trail had huge spikes of P. cyananthus in both varieties—a surprise Louise and I found while scouting. Pizza dinner was delivered to the Sawtooth Botanic Garden for the final meeting and keynote speech. Being a portable feast, we wandered down the bouldered water course, admiring the authentic, amazingly decorated Nepal temple prayer wheel, and through the native gardens and greenhouse, purchasing native plants from the Desert Jewels nursery (www.desertjewels.com) of Diane Stutzman and Walt Aring of Spokane, WA. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Andrea Wolfe from Ohio State University, brought guests from Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens in Capetown, S. Africa, met during another ongoing floral project. Her laptop computer had self-destructed, so she wrestled her presentation onto a new one. First, she apologized for having to move penstemons from the Family Scrophulariaceae to that of Plantaginaceae that had priority in the naming by previous botanists. At the last International Botanic Congress, she ‘shot’ plantain flowers at the attending botanists to express her frustration at this event! Andie gave the background of her career- long fascination with pents after admiring a display of P. oklahomensis at the U. of Oklahoma. She still feels she chose the best possible of careers because she can go camping in the mountains to work. Briefly, her work has been studying the DNA of penstemons and their older relatives, the Chelone Tribe (Chelones, Keckiella, Brookea, Pennellianthus, etc.) to find relationships, hybrid speciation and phyllogeny between them. A few factoids: P. barrettiae could be 2 million years old; P. montanus is tied with several others for oldest true penstemon; there are over 275 true pent species. There may turn out to be only be 2 subgeneras (instead of the six we now know): Dasanthera coupled with Personatus, and all the others combined into one. Go to her website by Googling Andrea Wolfe to read some of her published papers.

We reluctantly said goodbyes until next year with many thanks to Louise Parsons for her great three-plus years as president, which includes the huge projects of planning and leading the 2006 Arizona and 2007 Idaho trips—a magnificent job.

THE EXTENDED IDAHO EXPEDITION Monday morning, Steve and Monaquita Love (ID) led a smaller group of 11 vehicles over the Trail Pass Road northeast out of Sun Valley. He had scouted it in his Buick LeSabre to be sure all types of vehicles would be safe—they were! It is a well graded and graveled, two-lane road with gravel-pile banks on the downhill side. Within a few miles, we found number 12, 13 and 14th species: P. payettensis, watsonii and the rare montanus v idahoensis. The latter lived in copious, lavender splendor on a huge rockslide extending above and below the road. We had to almost forcibly restrain one (to be unnamed) nursery owner from climbing down to photograph the largest mat if that tells you how gorgeous these were— easily the most spectacular of the trip. “The prettiest part of Idaho” is how Steve described Copper Basin, a 25 loop of rolling short-grass prairie circled by Idaho Rockies. Just starting down a dry, bleak section, cars ahead stopped. There were thousands of pink bitterroots (the first Lewisia, rediviva, found by Lewis and Clark). We saw a large herd of antelope, a few elk and a large, lazily feeding black bear… at enough distance that he ignored us. I was thrilled to find P. lemhiensis, federally listed as endangered, in one spot here (as well as two places near Mt. Borah). It is a deep royal purple about 12” tall. After a pleasant dinner and overnight in tiny Mackay and down to 4 vehicles, we drove 19 miles to the top of Doublesprings Pass, just east of Highway 20. A few miles up the road, we crossed the 30’ wide fault line of the huge Challis Earthquake of the 80’s that registered 8.3. Under a sagebrush sunshade was P. radicosus, which has a rather wispy, blue flower. Further up the road in a section of degraded marble chunks, again we found the brilliant P. lemhiensis and the tiniest plant of the trip, P. pumilus, all of 3” tall. Near the top of the pass, P. montanus v montanus was found in similar, large rock scree in which we found it the previous day. It is also terribly rare, and a more violet, with slightly more toothed leaves than that of variety idahoensis from the day before. By now, we were down to 3 cars, said our goodbyes and thank yous to the Loves and Val and Jack Myrick (CA) and turned west. Louise and I had one more destination: the trailhead of Mt. Borah, tallest peak in Idaho at 12,662’. She remembered finding P. eriantherus v redactus on last year’s scouting trip. Just before the parking lot, there it was in fuzzy, lavender glory and well worth the short drive. At the trailhead, we encountered Julie Shapiro (MA), a botanist for Harvard and a new APS board member, finishing her walk to about 9000’ to photograph “just a few more flowers”. She may have found Primula cusickii, another rare plant. We toasted her trip with pre-lunch wine and began our trip home to Oregon. Another great penstemon society junket enters our annals of history!

Note From the Editor Dale Lindgren, North Platte, NE

As most of the American Penstemon Society members know by now, several changes have been or will be occurring in the APS. The newsletter has recently been added to facilitate communications with the membership. The new APS web site is designed to provide greater services for those wanting to know more about penstemon. Combining these changes with the current annual APS meetings/field trips makes it a more viable organization. The APS will be working with Ken and Robin Lodewick to find an alternative method of distributing their penstemon publications. Health issues have led to these changes. As they have not been able to process the last few requests for their manuals, the APS will play a role in assisting them. However, the details on how this will be handled have not been worked out yet. For now, please send your requests to me (Dale Lindgren), and I will try to get them processed as soon as possible. I want to thank all of the APS members and non members who contributed articles and photos for this issue of the Bulletin. There is some valuable information about our beloved penstemon. The editorship of the Bulletin of the APS is also in transition. I will be working with Stephen Love who has agreed to be the new Editor. He will do a great job. Stephen is with the University of Idaho. The best to each of you.

The Color Slide Collection

The Society has an excellent collection of color slides, most of which have been put on a CD by Dr. William R. Gray. The CD may be augmented from time to time as more penstemon slides are collected. For an individual or for a small group, this is the best way to see the collection. Anyone wishing to do a program for a larger group may request slides of the species of their choice, up to 140. They will be mailed in a Kodak Carousel to arrive a week before the date you set for your program. There is no charge to borrow them, but you are requested to return them immediately following your program, First Class and insured for $250.00. You may purchase the CD for $25.00 plus $3.00 postage from APS Books and CD's 110 Calle Pinonero, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Please contact Ellen Wilde, or 505-982-1406.

Growing Penstemons: Species, Cultivars and Hybrids

This book, compiled for the American Penstemon Society by Dr. Dale Lindgren and Ellen Wilde, contains descriptions and information on location where found, cultivation tips, name derivation and classification of all the species of penstemons and information on many cultivars and hybrids. In addition there are definitions and diagrams of basic terms used in describing penstemons, a short history of their being brought into cultivation and of the American Penstemon Society. There are chapters on growing and caring for them, propagation and hybridizing. Appendices give recommended penstemons for different parts of the country, lists of species by state, region, and in many National Parks, botanic gardens that feature penstemons, sources for seeds and plants, criteria for judging penstemons in flower shows, and a list of other sources of information on penstemons. It may be ordered from ‘APS Books and CD’s’ or from Infinity Publishing Co. on line or toll free (877)Buy Book.

The Library

The Penstemon Library consists of all the Bulletins of the American Penstemon Society published since 1946 and several studies and reproductions of articles about penstemons from various publications, as well as other books on penstemons. Call Ellen Wilde about borrowing them at (505) 982-1406.

Penstemon Publications by Kenneth and Robin Lodewick

Penstemon Notes. 1991 Miscellaneous notes on the genus. $3.00. Penstemon Field Identifier A sketchbook of about 260 species. $12.00. Penstemon Nomenclature 3rd Edition 2002. Lists all known botanical names applied to the genus. $6.75. Key to the Genus Penstemon Covers 271 penstemon species and 15 related species in 5 other genera. $9.00 US and Canada, $11.00 overseas. (The cost of ordering Nomenclature and the Key at the same time is $13.75 for APS members only.) What is a Penstemon? A slide show that may be rented; you pay for return. $5.00. Cannot be sent outside US.

To Order Write: Dale Lindgren University of Nebraska West Central Center, 461 West University Drive, North Platte, NE 69101 Checks payable to the American Penstemon Society.