Penstemon acuminatus

Penstemon acuminatus is a perennial in the plantain family, Plantaginaceae. Its common names include pointed-leaved penstemon and sand-dune penstemon. St Joseph's wand is another name for this species. It comes from the western United States and grows in temperate regions. Kew places its native range from central Washington into north-central Oregon. Plants For A Future also lists northern Nevada. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This plant grows about 2 feet (0.6 metres) tall. Its spread reaches about 1 foot (0.3 metres). In the wild, it grows in dry, open places. These sites lie at low elevations and often have sandy soil. Dunes form part of its natural habitat. Its modest size suits cultivated beds with good drainage. The supplied species accounts give no detailed leaf or stem description. They also give no details of its fruit.

Plants For A Future lists flowering from July to September. The flowers contain both male and female organs. Grow this species in full sun, rather than shade. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Good drainage matters more than any one soil texture. Rich garden soil can suit it when water drains freely. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline conditions. It can grow in dry soil or soil that stays moist. These needs allow some choice of garden site and soil.

Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 4–8. It also gives a UK zone of 5. That number is not an RHS H-rating. The source describes this species as tolerant of British growing conditions. It also reports tolerance of coastal exposure. Seeds can be sown under glass in late winter. Grow seedlings in separate pots before planting outside in late spring. Another option is early-summer sowing, with winter spent under glass. Plants can also be divided in autumn. Take cuttings during growth, with August and September listed as preferred months.

Plants For A Future records no known edible uses. It also lists no known hazards, but this does not prove safety. The source records traditional medicinal use of the leaves. Leaf infusions were used for vomiting, and decoctions for stomach pain and cramps. These records do not establish that such treatments work or are safe. It lists no other uses and flags no weed potential. The supplied evidence names no pests or diseases for this species.