penstemon

[ pen-stee-muhn, pen-stuh-muhn ]

noun

1. any of numerous chiefly North American plants belonging to the genus Penstemon, of the figwort family, some species of which are cultivated for their showy, variously colored flowers.

penstemon

/ pɛnˈstiːmən /

noun

1. a variant (esp US) of pentstemon

Word History and Origins

Origin of penstemon¹

1750–60; variant of pentstemon (> New Latin Penstemon genus name)

Example Sentences

The three most abundant plants on the ground are Artemisia ludoviciana, Chrysothamnus depressus and Penstemon linarioides.

From Project Gutenberg

Stems and leaves of two of the plants, Comandra umbellata and Penstemon linarioides, were readily eaten by captive animals.

From Project Gutenberg

Water content of both Penstemon and Comandra was greatly reduced in the dry period that occurred in early July.

From Project Gutenberg

For be it known that Maria Penstemon had a will of her own, and a strong tendency to foster crotchets.

From Project Gutenberg