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Glite Dictionary
Penstemon centranthifolius

Penstemon centranthifolius

9.9
A plant that lives many years with bright red tube-shaped flowers in long clusters on tall stems
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Penstemon centranthifolius
  • The bright red flowers of Penstemon centranthifolius attract hummingbirds in California gardens.

Examples

  • Wildflower enthusiasts often seek out Penstemon centranthifolius during spring hikes in the coastal ranges.

  • We spotted Penstemon centranthifolius blooming along the sunny roadside.

  • The Penstemon centranthifolius blooms beautifully in spring.

  • Many gardeners love the Penstemon centranthifolius for its vibrant color.

  • The bright red flowers of Penstemon centranthifolius attract hummingbirds in California gardens.

  • We spotted Penstemon centranthifolius blooming along the sunny roadside.

  • Wildflower enthusiasts often seek out Penstemon centranthifolius during spring hikes in the coastal ranges.

Synonyms

scarlet bugler
vsPenstemon centranthifolius
  • US
9.9

A plant with bright red tube-shaped flowers in small clusters at the top of stems

states the plant is a perennial not just any plant

Surface Forms

Penstemon centranthifolius singular
Penstemon centranthifoliuses plural

Morphology

Penstemon + centranthifolius

This is a botanical binomial: knowing 'Penstemon' signals it is a plant genus, so a learner can infer it names a kind of plant. However the specific epithet 'centranthifolius' is a Latinized form not found in learners' dictionaries, and the detailed descriptive meaning (bright red tubular flowers, etc.) cannot be derived from the constituents. Because part of the meaning (that it is a Penstemon) is clear but the rest is not predictable, it is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Penstemon centranthifolius is named for what the flower and leaves look like: Penstemon suggests a flower with a small hairy 'beardtongue' inside the tube, and centranthifolius means it has leaves like the plant Centranthus. So the name helps you picture a red, tube-shaped flower with a fuzzy tongue inside and familiar leaves, which fits this hummingbird-attracting wildflower.