Penstemon centranthifolius
Scarlet bugler
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Penstemon centranthifolius (Scarlet bugler) is a native California subshrub in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by distinctive red cylindric flowers and glaucous leaves.
Scarlet bugler is a California native perennial found in the northern Coast Ranges, northern Sierra Nevada foothills, margins of the Central Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, southern Coast Ranges, southwestern California, and western Mojave Desert in dry, open chaparral and oak woodland at elevations below 1,800 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces bright red tubular flowers 20 to 30 millimeters long with projecting lobes that do not spread open. Growing with tall, glaucous stems 30 to 120 centimeters in height, it has a distinctly upright and robust form. Its thick leaves are primarily lanceolate to ovate, with middle stem leaves 40 to 100 millimeters long and distinctively heart-shaped at the base, clasping the stem. The flower's deep red tubular shape and glabrous surface make it a striking addition to dry, sunny habitats.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 42 sympatric species; distinctive red cylindric flowers and glaucous leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, open chaparral or oak woodland
Elevation: < 1800 m
California counties: Ventura, Los Angeles, Kern, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Benito, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Contra Costa, Santa Barbara, Lake, Merced, Monterey, Orange, Solano, Yolo, Colusa, Glenn, Imperial, Siskiyou
Outside California: Mexico
Bloom period
Penstemon centranthifolius blooms Apr-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Epilobium: Penstemon has tubular two-lipped flowers with five stamens; Epilobium has four-petaled open flowers with eight stamens.; vs Keckiella: Penstemon is herbaceous and dies back; Keckiella has persistent woody stems year-round.; vs Salvia: Penstemon has five stamens (one sterile); Salvia has only two fertile stamens and square stems.; vs Ipomopsis: Penstemon has two-lipped tubular flowers; Ipomopsis has star-shaped flowers with five equal lobes.; vs Antirrhinum: Penstemon has a sterile stamen visible inside; Antirrhinum has only four stamens, none sterile.
Frequently asked questions
Is Penstemon centranthifolius native to California?
Yes. Penstemon centranthifolius is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Penstemon centranthifolius bloom?
Penstemon centranthifolius blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Penstemon centranthifolius grow?
Penstemon centranthifolius occurs in Ventura, Los Angeles, Kern, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Benito, Fresno and other counties, at elevations of < 1800 m.
What plant family does Penstemon centranthifolius belong to?
Penstemon centranthifolius is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Penstemon.
What habitat does Penstemon centranthifolius grow in?
Penstemon centranthifolius grows in Dry, open chaparral or oak woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Penstemon cinereus — ashy-gray beardtongue
- Penstemon cinicola — Ash beardtongue
- Penstemon clevelandii — Cleveland's beardtongue
- Penstemon clevelandii var. clevelandii — Cleveland's beardtongue
- Penstemon clevelandii var. connatus — San jacinto beardtongue
- Penstemon clevelandii var. mohavensis — Mohave beard's tongue
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.