Penstemon attenuatus is a native, perennial forb that grows from a dense crown to a height of 4 to 35 in. Covers 1 ft. From Northwest Meadowscape's website:
Extremely attractive masses of cosmic-blue flowers rise up to a bit over 2-feet in height on this ultra-showy plant. Found throughout the inland Northwest and the Great Basin (with small disjunct populations on the Olympic Peninsula) taperleaf penstemon normally occurs at mid-elevations, but it’s very widely adaptable as a native garden plant across most of the broader West.
This plant is well-adapted to dry, nutrient-poor soils, but also perfectly happy in more lush, fertile meadows. These characteristics make it excellent as a flexible, urban garden species – more spectacular than any non-native ‘ornamental.’
Taperleaf penstemon is also a caterpillar hostplant for the striking Edith’s checkerspot (Euphydryas editha) and Chalcedon checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona) butterflies.
Penstemon attenuatus, Taperleaf Penstemon seed
How to Use Your Cover Crop & Native Seed Packets
Each seed packet is measured to cover 1 sq ft, 5 sq ft, 25 sq ft or 100 sq ft, depending on the size you chose.
Sowing Instructions
When to sow: Fall is ideal in Portland. The soil is still warm for germination, and fall rains keep seedlings watered. Some seeds (like meadowfoam or clovers) can also be spring-sown.
How to sow:
Rake the soil lightly to create good seed-to-soil contact.
Scatter the contents of the packet evenly over the area (don’t worry about perfect spacing).
Gently press or rake seeds in so they make contact with the soil. Do not bury deeply — most native and cover crop seeds need light to germinate.
Water: Fall rains usually do the job, but water lightly if the weather turns dry.
What to Expect
Traditional Cover Crops (rye, peas, fava, daikon, crimson clover, buckwheat, mustard): Grow quickly, protect soil, and build fertility. In spring, chop them down or mow before they set seed. Some (like rye) can also be crimped into a mulch.
Living Mulches (red fescue, dwarf yarrow, creeping thyme, low clovers): These stay low and provide long-term weed suppression and ground cover. Shear lightly as needed, but they don’t require replanting every year.
Pollinator Wildflowers (Clarkia, poppy, gilia, flax, meadowfoam, coneflower, blanketflower): Not classic cover crops, but they add beauty and attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Many reseed naturally.
Spring & Summer Management
Chop-and-drop: Cut plants at the base and leave them as mulch (peas, fava, clovers).
Mow: Use on ryegrass or cereals to turn them into quick mulch.
Crimp: Flatten tall rye or grains at flowering to create a long-lasting weed barrier.
Shear perennials: Yarrow, thyme, and sedges can be trimmed back after bloom.
Self-seeders: Flowers like poppy, clarkia, and meadowfoam will often reseed themselves. Leave some seed heads if you want them back next year.
Quick Tips
Cover crops = soil builders.
Living mulches = weed suppressors.
Wildflowers = pollinator magnets.
Tulle or row cover can protect young seedlings from birds and slugs until established.