Virginia Tech Dendrology

rocky ledge penstemon Scrophulariaceae Penstemon ellipticus J.M. Coult. & Fisher symbol: PEEL5
Leaf: Opposite, simple, evergreen, elliptical, finely serrated or entire, 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, leathery, green above, slightly paler below.
Flower: Very attractive, purple tubular shaped flowers up to 1 inch long,in loose terminal clusters, appearing in early summer.
Fruit: 2 valved, brown capsule.
Twig: Reddish green, later turning a light brown.
Bark: Light brown.
Form: Low mat forming small shrub reaching up to 12 inches tall

Additional Range Information: Penstemon ellipticus is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. Download the full-size PDF map.
External Links: USDA Plants Database
All material 2025 Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation; Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson; Silvics reprinted from Ag Handbook 654; range map source information