Eaton's Firecracker
Penstemon eatonii
Eaton’s Firecracker is a bold, bright red wildflower that stands out like a flare against the muted tones of desert and mountain landscapes. It's one of the showiest penstemons in the West and a magnet for hummingbirds.
Appearance:
A perennial plant that grows 1 to 3 feet tall. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves and tall flower spikes topped with tubular red to scarlet flowers. The flowers are about 1 to 1.5 inches long and bloom in loose clusters, often rising well above the foliage.
Habitat:
Found in a variety of habitats including desert canyons, rocky slopes, and mountain foothills. Common in the Mojave and Great Basin regions, as well as parts of the Colorado Plateau and Southwest.
Bloom Time:
Blooms from late winter through early summer, depending on elevation—typically February to June.
Pollinators:
Highly attractive to hummingbirds and also visited by native bees. Its long, tubular flowers are perfectly shaped for pollinators with long beaks or tongues.
Note:
Eaton’s Firecracker is a favorite in native plant gardens for both its color and ability to thrive in dry conditions. It’s a reliable, drought-tolerant bloomer that adds fire to spring and early summer landscapes.