redwood penstemon

9.9

A low shrub with dark green leaves and clusters of brick-red flowers at the ends of its branches

noun

Specialized

: penstemon de secuoya

Conservationists are working to protect the habitat of the redwood penstemon in northern California.

Examples

Many hikers enjoy spotting redwood penstemon blooming along the trails in spring.
The redwood penstemon adds a striking pop of color to native California gardens.
The redwood penstemon blooms beautifully in the spring.
I love the vibrant color of the redwood penstemon flowers.
Conservationists are working to protect the habitat of the redwood penstemon in northern California.
Many hikers enjoy spotting redwood penstemon blooming along the trails in spring.
The redwood penstemon adds a striking pop of color to native California gardens.

Synonyms

red shrubby penstemon

vsredwood penstemon

9.9

A low branching bush with dark green leaves and bright red flowers at the ends of its branches

is identical in meaning but uses an alternative name for the plant

Surface Forms

redwood penstemon singular

redwood penstemons plural

Morphology

redwood + Penstemon

This is an attributive compound where 'redwood' modifies the head noun 'penstemon', so a learner who knows 'Penstemon' (a genus of plants) and 'redwood' (the Californian tree or region) can infer it is a type of penstemon associated with redwood trees or the redwood area. Such species-naming composition is straightforward and cross-linguistically common, making the overall meaning derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Redwood penstemon paints two simple images: redwood for the big trees where it often grows, and penstemon from the old name 'beardtongue' because the flower has a small hairy 'tongue' inside. That's why the name points to a low shrub with dark green leaves and brick-red flower clusters found near the coast of northern California.