Penstemon eatonii
Eaton firecracker
(c) Matt Lavin, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Penstemon eatonii (Eaton firecracker) is a native California herb in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by Long cylindric red corolla; green non-clasping leaves (vs glaucous, clasping *P. centranthifolius*).
Eaton firecracker is a California native perennial herb found in rocky mountain habitats at elevations of 1,200 to 3,000 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces brilliant red flowers in cylindric clusters 24 to 33 millimeters long with barely spreading lobes. Growing with erect stems 40 to 100 centimeters tall, it develops a robust and upright form with multiple flowering stalks. Its cauline leaves are widely lanceolate to ovate, measuring 30 to 90 millimeters long and positioned along the stem with entire margins. The flower's distinctive red corolla and glabrous texture makes it a striking addition to mountain landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Long cylindric red corolla; green non-clasping leaves (vs glaucous, clasping *P. centranthifolius*)
Habitat and range
California counties: San Bernardino, Inyo, Riverside, Kern, Mono, San Diego, Los Angeles, Lake, Nevada
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 eatonii native to California?
Yes. Penstemon eatonii is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Penstemon eatonii grow?
Penstemon eatonii occurs in San Bernardino, Inyo, Riverside, Kern, Mono, San Diego, Los Angeles, Lake and other counties.
What plant family does Penstemon eatonii belong to?
Penstemon eatonii is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Penstemon.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Penstemon eatonii var. eatonii — Eaton's penstemon
- Penstemon eatonii var. undosus — Eaton's firecracker
- Penstemon filiformis — Thread-leaved beardtongue
- Penstemon floridus — Panamint beardtongue
- Penstemon floridus var. austinii — Austin's beardtongue
- Penstemon floridus var. floridus — Panamint beardtongue
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.