Scrophulariales (Penstemon)

Protocol Information for:

Label_title:
Penstemon (rupicola)

Family Names:

Family Scientific Name:
Scrophulariales

Family Common Name:
Figwort

Scientific Names:

Genus:
Penstemon

Species:
rupicola

Scientific Classification:

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Species Authority:

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Authors:

Common Synonym:

Genus:

Species:

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Other Information:

Common Name:
Cliff Beardtongue

Species Code:
PERU

Ecotype:
Crater Lake National Park

General Distribution:
Lower 48 states

Known Invasiveness:

Propagation Goal:
Plants

Propagation Method:
Seed

Product Type:
Container (plug)

Stock Type:
107 ml (7 in3) container

Grow Time:
18 weeks

Target Specifications:
Stock Type: Container seedling Root System: Firm plug in container.

Propagation Collection:

Propagation Processing/Propagule Characteristics:

Pre-Planting Propagule Treatments:
Seeds are placed in a solution of 250 mg/L GA3, soaked for 24 hours, rinsed, and soaked for an additional 4 hours in water. Seeds are sown directly into 107 ml (7 in3) cells (see growing medium below). Trays are sealed inside plastic bags and placed into cold stratification (1 to 3 °C) for 90 days. Trays are checked weekly and kept moist throughout the stratification period. If mold is evident, trays should be treated with 1% hydrogen peroxide.

Growing Area Preparation / Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:
Greenhouse growing facility. Cells are lightly covered with nursery grit. Growing medium in the containers consists of 40:20:20:20 peat:composted fir bark:perlite:pumice with Nutricote controlled release fertilizer (18N:6P2O5:8K2O with minors; 180-d release rate at 21C) at the rate of 0.5 gram Nutricote per 107 ml container.

Establishment Phase:
Germination is uneven, but is usually complete in 3 to 4 weeks. Following germination, plants are fertilized with soluble 12-2-14-6Ca-3Mg at 75 to 100 ppm for 2 weeks.

Length of Establishment Phase:
3 weeks

Active Growth Phase:
Penstemon rupicola is very slow growing. During the growing season, fertilization depends on weather and physiological needs. Soluble 20-9-20 NPK, 20-18-18 NPK, or 17-5-24 NPK at 100 to 150 ppm is applied weekly throughout the growing season.

Length of Active Growth Phase:
15 weeks

Hardening Phase:
No dry-down is done to induce dormancy. Seedlings are moved to an outdoor growing area in mid-September.

Length of Hardening Phase:
3 to 4 weeks depending on chilling hours

Harvesting, Storage and Shipping:
Harvest Date: Mid to late October Storage Conditions: Seedlings are usually outplanted in fall. No storage except in outdoor growing area. Plants are well irrigated prior to shipping if shipped in containers.

Length of Storage:

Guidelines for Outplanting / Performance on Typical Sites:

Other Comments:
Perennial forb/herb. Found in California, Oregon, and Washington. Prefers dry, rocky soils and full sun. Recognized by pollination ecologists as attracting large numbers of native bees. Easily propagated by stem cuttings or seed. Grows on cliffs, ledges, and rocky slopes, usually at higher elevations (1300-2300m). Grows on both sides of the Cascade Mountains, as well as throughout the Columbia River Gorge.

References:
Beardtongues and Penstemons of the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington. Cliff Beardtongue, Cliff Penstemon, Rock Penstemon. Penstemon rupicola. URL: http://science.halleyhosting.com/nature/gorge/5petal/figwort/penst/rockp.htm (Accessed 28 February 2024). Dorena Genetic Resource Center Propagation Records, unpublished. The Jepson Herbarium. University of California, Berkley. Penstemon rupicola (Piper) Howell. URL: https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=37078 (Accessed 28 February 2024). Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Penstemon rupicola (Piper) Howell. URL: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PERU (Accessed 28 February 2024). USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Penstemon rupicola (Piper) Howell. cliff beardtongue. URL: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=PERU (Accessed 28 February 2024).

Citation:
Riley, Lee E.; Klein, Kassandra. 2024. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Penstemon rupicola Plants 107 ml (7 in3) container; USDA FS - Dorena Genetic Resource Center Cottage Grove, Oregon. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/06/26). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.

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