Penstemon eatonii
Also called:
Firecracker Penstemon
Firecracker Beardtongue
Eaton's Penstemon
Botanical Description
Plant Family:
Scrophulariaceae
Deciduous
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Oregon Native?
No
West State Native?
Yes
Southwest CO & UT to central AZ southwest CA
Flower:
Red
Blooms from :
Jun
to:
Aug
Five to ten long, narrow, red tubular blossoms top each of the numerous tall stems.
Foliage:
Green
The leaves, found mostly in the basal rosette, are lance-shaped to oval, untoothed, and up to 9 centimeters in length.
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Partial Sun
Deer Resistant?
No
Firewise?
Yes
Height:
2.5-3'
Spread:
3'
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
It is native to the western United States from California to the Rocky Mountains, where it grows in many types of desert, woodland, forest, and open plateau habitat. In California it is found primarily in high desert areas.
Soil Needs
Dry, gravelly soils
Fertilizer Needs:
Recommended Mulch:
Gravel or nothing
Wildlife Uses
Attracts Pollinators?
Yes
Attracts Birds?
Yes
Supports Butterflies?
Yes
Wildlife use description:
Hummingbirds love the flowers. Species in the Penstemon genus are host plants to several butterfly species including the Arachne Checkerspot, Chalcedon Checkerspot, and Common Buckeye. Penstemons are considered desirable forages for deer, antelope, and b