Penstemon spectabilis var. spectabilis
Showy penstemon
Photo: parent species Penstemon spectabilis · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Penstemon spectabilis var. spectabilis (Showy penstemon) is a native California subshrub in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by height, fused leaf pairs, flower size.
Showy penstemon is a California native perennial found in the southern California Mountains, San Bernardino Mountains, and Peninsular Ranges on gravelly and sandy slopes, banks of washes, coastal-sage scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland at elevations of 100 to 1,800 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces vibrant flowers in glabrous inflorescences with distinctive coloration. Growing with sturdy stems reaching moderate heights, it forms dense clusters in its native habitats. Its leaves are arranged along the stem, providing structural support and contributing to the plant's robust appearance. The chromosomal structure of 2n=16 suggests a stable genetic foundation for this striking wildflower.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 14 sympatric species; key features are height, fused leaf pairs, flower size
Habitat and range
Habitat: Gravelly and sandy slopes, banks of washes, coastal-sage scrub, chaparral, oak woodland
Elevation: 100-1800 m
California counties: Riverside, Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego
Outside California: Mexico
Bloom period
Penstemon spectabilis var. spectabilis blooms Apr-Jun.
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 var. spectabilis native to California?
Yes. Penstemon spectabilis var. spectabilis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Penstemon spectabilis var. spectabilis bloom?
Penstemon spectabilis var. spectabilis blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Penstemon spectabilis var. spectabilis grow?
Penstemon spectabilis var. spectabilis occurs in Riverside, Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, at elevations of 100-1800 m.
What plant family does Penstemon spectabilis var. spectabilis belong to?
Penstemon spectabilis var. spectabilis is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Penstemon.
What habitat does Penstemon spectabilis var. spectabilis grow in?
Penstemon spectabilis var. spectabilis grows in Gravelly and sandy slopes, banks of washes, coastal-sage scrub, chaparral, oak woodland.
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.