Penstemon spectabilis var. subviscosus
Showy penstemon
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Penstemon spectabilis var. subviscosus (Showy penstemon) is a native California subshrub in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by key distinguishing feature is glandular inflorescence.
Showy penstemon is a California native perennial found in the Transverse Ranges in gravelly and sandy slopes, banks of washes, coastal-sage scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland at elevations of 500 to 1,400 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces flowers with distinctive glandular characteristics in an inflorescence that catches the eye. Growing with upright stems that form clumps in the dry landscape, it develops a robust presence in its native habitat. Its leaves are likely arranged oppositely, contributing to the plant's architectural structure in arid environments. The glandular nature of its flowering structures suggests a unique adaptation to the challenging conditions of its native range.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 13 sympatric species; key distinguishing feature is glandular inflorescence
Habitat and range
Habitat: Gravelly and sandy slopes, banks of washes, coastal-sage scrub, chaparral, oak woodland
Elevation: 500-1400 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Riverside, Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Diego
Bloom period
Penstemon spectabilis var. subviscosus 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. subviscosus native to California?
Yes. Penstemon spectabilis var. subviscosus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Penstemon spectabilis var. subviscosus bloom?
Penstemon spectabilis var. subviscosus blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Penstemon spectabilis var. subviscosus grow?
Penstemon spectabilis var. subviscosus occurs in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Riverside, Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Diego, at elevations of 500-1400 m.
What plant family does Penstemon spectabilis var. subviscosus belong to?
Penstemon spectabilis var. subviscosus is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Penstemon.
What habitat does Penstemon spectabilis var. subviscosus grow in?
Penstemon spectabilis var. subviscosus 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.