This images shows the beautiful flowers of the commonly called side-bells penstemon, Penstemon secundiflorus. The flowers can vary in color from pink to purple according to Littlefield and Burns 2015. We observed this plant along the Falls Trail in Bandelier National Monument.

Overview of the entire plant of Penstemon secundiflorus. According to Heflin (1997), this penstemon is one of the earliest bloomers in the Penstemon family in central and northern New Mexico.

Flower of Penstemon secundiflorus. According to Heflin (1997), this penstemon has a “large staminode, heavily bearded with yellow hairs.”

Side view of flowers of Penstemon secundiflorus. In this photo, you can really see the large, hairy staminode.

Leaves of Penstemon secundiflorus. Note the rosette of leaves at the base of the plant and the erect leaves on the stem.