Penstemon spectabilis
Showy penstemon
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Penstemon spectabilis (Showy penstemon) is a native California subshrub in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by tall stature and fused leaf bases diagnostic.
Showy penstemon is a California native perennial herb found in [PENDING: need bioregional distribution] in [PENDING: need habitat] at elevations of [PENDING: need elevation range]. Flowering from [PENDING: need specific months], this plant produces blue to blue-purple flowers 24 to 34 millimeters long with a pale violet to lavender throat. Growing 80 to 120 centimeters tall with glabrous green or glaucous stems, it has an upright, robust form. Its cauline leaves are lanceolate to widely ovate, 35 to 100 millimeters long, with pairs fused at the base, generally folded lengthwise and recurved at the tip, and somewhat serrate. The flower's pale violet throat has glandular exterior surfaces, creating an intricate and visually striking bloom.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 20 sympatric species; tall stature and fused leaf bases diagnostic
Habitat and range
California counties: Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Kern, Siskiyou, Santa Barbara
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 spectabilis native to California?
Yes. Penstemon spectabilis is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Penstemon spectabilis grow?
Penstemon spectabilis occurs in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Kern, Siskiyou, Santa Barbara.
What plant family does Penstemon spectabilis belong to?
Penstemon spectabilis is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Penstemon.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.