Penstemon

Penstemon  is a showy wildflower that can be seen growing in the Pine Valley Recreation Area and in dry rocky places around the Valley.  Several years ago, I noticed a man and a woman harvesting dry penstemon stalks along the road between Central and Pine Valley.  When I stopped and asked them what they were doing, they replied that the Forest Service contracts with them to provide penstemon seeds, which are then planted on areas that have had forest fires.  This helps to rehabilitate the area.  These plants are not only beautiful but are an important part of our ecosystem.