Keckiella antirrhinoides – “Bush Beardtongue”

Also Known As: Snapdragon Penstemon, Yellow Keckiella
Other Botanical Names: Penstemon antirrhinoides
Family: Figwort (Scrophulariaceae)
Bloom Period: Apr-May
Form: Deciduous shrub
Habitat: Rocky soils, often in association with Joshua Trees
Leaves: Linear; opposite
Translation: “Keckiella” is named for David Daniels Keck (1903-1995), an American botanist who collaborated with Philip Munz on the book, “A California Flora”; “antirrhinoides” is derived from the Greek for “like a nose” because the flower seems to have a snout.
Notes: The origin of the common name, “Beardtongue,” is obvious when looking at the flower.
Animal Associations: Larval food plant for the Desert Mountain Checkerspot butterfly and Variable Checkerspot butterfly.