Penstemon eatonii
A closeup of Penstemon eatonii, firecracker penstemon
Penstemon eatonii is at the lower right hand corner. Scrub oak, Fremontia, Big Berried Manzanita, Juniperus occidentalis var. australis, Pinus monophylla, Quercus cornelius-mulleri and Joshua tree.
Description
Penstemon eatonii is similar to Penstemon centranthifolius, in that most leaves are arranged in a low rosette next to the ground, and the flowers are borne on vertical flowering stalks 1 ft. to 4 ft. high, but without the waxy blue coating on leaves and the leaves are more rounded. Native to southwest desert mountains. Penstemon eatonii needs good drainage and some water in spring and fall; giving the plant a couple of indirect summer waterings will help it stay evergreen in late summer. Firecracker Penstemon, with red tubular flowers, is one of the showier penstemons, and tolerates shade. Click here for more about California Penstemons.