What do you get when three horticulturalists combine expertise and direct it towards a single plant genus?
In this case, a fascinating volume detailing the natural history of the stunning wildflowers we know as penstemons. More specifically, the 76 species of penstemons found in the mountains, deserts, and canyon lands of Utah--the probable center of origin for this complex array of intriguing plants. Penstemon truly is Utah's wildflower.
Within these pages you will find the most detailed and comprehensive information ever compiled for this group of Utah's floristic treasures. This book provides information on the discovery of each species, historical ethnobotanical uses, information on range and habitat, detailed description of foliage and flowers, and methods you can use to grow each species in your own garden. Take this book along on your next outdoor adventure and use it to identify and learn about each and every penstemon you encounter.
"The Heart of Penstemon Country: A Natural History of Penstemons in the Utah Region is a visual treasure, packed full of interesting information about species of Penstemon. Utah is the geographic epicenter for the diversity of this large genus, which is native to North America. The combination of taxonomic information and history, beautiful photographs, range maps, cultivar lists, conservation statuses, and the ethnobotany will make this book a must have for people interested in the flora of the intermountain region." -Dr. Andrea D. Wolfe, Professor, Department of evolution, Ecology, and Oranismal Biology, The Ohio State University
"In the hot deserts of southern Utah, surrounded by dry, infertile soil and withered plants, it's not hard to find a penstemon growing out from a rocky slope in full bloom without any signs of stress. Awe and wonder over such an anomaly have sparked decades of research of this genus across North America and Europe. This book combines these efforts into the most detailed and comprehensive Penstemon reference ever written from the perspective of the genus' epicenter. It is a treasure trove to plant breeders and penstemon aficionados, who will pull this resource from the shelf again and again." -Dr. Shaun Broderick, Assistant Research & Extension Professor of Ornamental Horticulture, Mississippi State University Extension