There are over 250 species of penstemons in North America and east Asia. They are also called beard tongues because of the appearance of an open mouth with a fuzzy tongue sticking out. They are usually a deciduous plant that can reach up to ten feet tall. Penstemons are mostly ornamental, but have also been used in medicinal remedies for animals or humans. There are many varieties in northern Arizona, a few I have captured include the firecracker (red), rocky mountain (purple), blue mountain (lavender) and perry (fuchsia).