Hot-rock Penstemon
Penstemon deustus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Hot-rock Penstemon (Penstemon deustus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Hot-rock Penstemon as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Hot-rock penstemon is a compact, drought-tolerant perennial that forms neat mounds of evergreen foliage. It produces clusters of tubular white to pale lavender flowers from May through July, creating an attractive display against its small, dense leaves.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hot-rock Penstemon is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
This native penstemon attracts bees and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich tubular flowers. The long blooming period provides consistent pollinator support through late spring and summer.
Common questions
- How much sun does Hot-rock Penstemon need?
- Hot-rock Penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Hot-rock Penstemon bloom?
- Hot-rock Penstemon blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Hot-rock Penstemon native?
- Hot-rock Penstemon (Penstemon deustus) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Hot-rock Penstemon toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Hot-rock Penstemon as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Hot-rock Penstemon attract?
- Hot-rock Penstemon draws bees and hummingbirds.
- Is Hot-rock Penstemon HOA-friendly?
- Hot-rock Penstemon is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Hot-rock Penstemon? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz