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Penstemon centranthifolius
Penstemon centranthifolius (Benth.) Benth.
Scarlet Bugler
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: PECE2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
The basal leaves of this penstemon are arrayed on many subwoody branches and are broadly spoon-shaped and gray-green. Few, erect, sparsely leafy stems have bright red, nearly radially symmetrical, tubular flowers in a long, narrow, but open cluster near the top. The stout flowering stalks rise as high as 3 ft. or more with dozens of showy, trumpet-shaped, bright red flowers.
In certain situations this species will produce extensive, nearly solid patches of brilliant red. The nearly radially symmetrical corollas are unusual.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 4 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: RedBloom Time: Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: CANative Distribution: Coast Ranges from Lake to San Diego Cos. in CA, south to Baja California and Sonora
Native Habitat: Dry slopes below 6500 ft.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, well-drained soil.
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Propagate using half-woody cuttings or seed.Seed Treatment: Germination is best with cold-moist stratification but it is not necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Tohono Chul Park, Inc. - Tucson, AZ
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Penstemon centranthifolius in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Penstemon centranthifolius in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Penstemon centranthifolius
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-22Research By: TWC Staff