Scientific Family
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Penstemon barbatus var. coccineus
Other common names
red penstemon
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
1 to 4 feet
Riparian
No
Perennial, 1 to 3 stems arise from a woody base. Leaves are opposite on stems and form basal rosettes. Basal and lower leaves are stemmed; upper without stems. Leaves narrower and smaller going up the stem. Flowers red and one-sided on erect stems.
Red flowered, without glands and hairs, strongly 2-lipped, lower lip reflexed (turned back), upper lip projecting or spreading. Leaves are narrow, basal and on the stems. Stems not hairy and glandular.
Habitat
Pinyon-juniper woodlands, montane and subalpine forests; commonly found along roads and mountain meadows.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
4000
High elevation
10000
Flower Characteristics
Tubular, strongly 2-lipped flowers; 3 lower lobes pointed backward, upper 2 lobes projecting; flowers are 1-sided on elongated and erect stems, red with red-purple nectar guides inside the flower tube.Â
Flower color
Red
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Basal leaves, 3 to 5 inches long, pointed and have slightly wavy margins; upper leaves without stems and pointed at the tip.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Grayish-green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Other
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
1/2 inch long, splitting open longitudinally to release seeds.
Fruit type
Capsule
Brown seeds.