Penstemon eatonii var. eatonii
Eaton's penstemon
(c) Matt Lavin, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Penstemon eatonii var. eatonii (Eaton's penstemon) is a native California herb in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by glabrous habit distinguishes from hairy variety.
Eaton's penstemon is a California native perennial found in the desert mountains in dry sagebrush scrub and pinyon/juniper woodland at elevations of 1,400 to 1,800 meters. Flowering from March to July, this plant produces vibrant red flowers in long, slender clusters along the plant's stems. Growing with upright stems to approximately 60 centimeters tall, it forms a robust clump with multiple flowering stalks. Its leaves are lance-shaped, arranged oppositely along the stem, with smooth edges and a deep green color. The plant is notably glabrous, giving it a clean, smooth appearance throughout its structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 24 sympatric species; glabrous habit distinguishes from hairy variety
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry sagebrush scrub, pinyon/juniper woodland
Elevation: 1400-1800 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Mono, Riverside, Inyo
Outside California: to Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico
Bloom period
Penstemon eatonii var. eatonii blooms Mar-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 eatonii var. eatonii native to California?
Yes. Penstemon eatonii var. eatonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Penstemon eatonii var. eatonii bloom?
Penstemon eatonii var. eatonii blooms Mar-Jul.
Where in California does Penstemon eatonii var. eatonii grow?
Penstemon eatonii var. eatonii occurs in San Bernardino, Mono, Riverside, Inyo, at elevations of 1400-1800 m.
What plant family does Penstemon eatonii var. eatonii belong to?
Penstemon eatonii var. eatonii is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Penstemon.
What habitat does Penstemon eatonii var. eatonii grow in?
Penstemon eatonii var. eatonii grows in dry sagebrush scrub, pinyon/juniper woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Penstemon fruticiformis — Death valley 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.