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Common Name: Sand-Dune Penstemon

General Information

Penstemon acuminatus is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.60 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Western N. America - Washington and Oregon to Idaho.

Habitat

Dry, open, commonly sandy places at low elevations, often on dunes[60.

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in ordinary rich garden soils so long as they are well-drained[]. Succeeds in dry soils. Requires a position in full sun[].
Many members of this genus are very cold hardy, but do not prosper in Britain because they dislike winter wet. This species is more tolerant of British conditions than many other members of the genus[]. Judging by its native habitat, it is likely to succeed in maritime exposure[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaves are antiemetic and stomachic[]. An infusion of the leaves is used to stop vomiting[, ]. A decoction is used in the treatment of cramps and stomach pains[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in late spring.
Alternatively, the seed can be sown in early summer in a greenhouse, the seedlings overwintered in the greenhouse and then planted out in the following spring[].
Division in autumn[].
Cuttings can be taken throughout the growing season, though mid summer to early autumn is best[].