Scientific Family
Scrophulariaceae
Other common names
Eaton's penstemon
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Similar species
Penstemon sublata
Height
6 to 24 inches
Riparian
No
Slender wand-shaped stems can be few or several.
Flower stems and calyx not obviously glandular or hairy. Corolla scarlet or red lobes are small and directed forward. Anther sac is split only part way. Calyx obscurely 2-lipped; lips about equally erect or spreading.
Habitat
Well drained granite, sand, or clay soils.
Plant Community
Desert Scrub
Grasslands
Interior Chaparral
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Low elevation
2500
High elevation
5000
Flower Characteristics
Flower is narrow and cylindrical with a small opening at the mouth. They are arrayed up the stem. Flower petals are almost equal.
Flower color
Red
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
May
Last bloom month
June
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Basal leaves are oblong and the stem leaves oval or heart-shaped and clasping. Stem leaves are paired, each pair in an opposite direction. Stems and leaves can either be smooth or minutely hairy.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Brown