Penstemon eatonii var. undosus
Eaton's firecracker
(c) Matt Lavin, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Penstemon eatonii var. undosus (Eaton's firecracker) is a native California herb in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by short-hairy habit distinguishes from glabrous variety.
Eaton's firecracker is a California native perennial found in the Transverse Ranges and desert regions in dry sagebrush scrub, pinyon and juniper woodland, and yellow-pine forest at elevations of 1,200 to 1,800 meters. Flowering from March to July, this plant produces vibrant red tubular flowers in striking clusters that attract hummingbirds. Growing with short, densely hairy stems 30 to 50 centimeters tall, it forms a compact and robust clump in arid landscapes. Its opposite leaves are lance-shaped, 3 to 7 centimeters long, with smooth margins and a slightly succulent texture. The slender, trumpet-shaped flowers are particularly notable for their brilliant red coloration, making this penstemon a standout species in its dry, rugged habitats.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 34 sympatric species; short-hairy habit distinguishes from glabrous variety
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry sagebrush scrub, pinyon/juniper woodland, yellow-pine forest
Elevation: 1200-1800 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles
Outside California: Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico
Bloom period
Penstemon eatonii var. undosus 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. undosus native to California?
Yes. Penstemon eatonii var. undosus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Penstemon eatonii var. undosus bloom?
Penstemon eatonii var. undosus blooms Mar-Jul.
Where in California does Penstemon eatonii var. undosus grow?
Penstemon eatonii var. undosus occurs in San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, at elevations of 1200-1800 m.
What plant family does Penstemon eatonii var. undosus belong to?
Penstemon eatonii var. undosus is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Penstemon.
What habitat does Penstemon eatonii var. undosus grow in?
Penstemon eatonii var. undosus grows in dry sagebrush scrub, pinyon/juniper woodland, yellow-pine forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Penstemon fruticiformis var. amargosae — Amargosa 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.