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Rocky mountain penstemon

Penstemon strictus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Rocky mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus) is a perennial forb native to AZ, CO, NM, UT and 1 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bumble bees and hummingbirds.

Rocky mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus)
Photo: (c) Stephen Hornbeck, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Rocky mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus) 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.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–30" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CO, NM, UT and 1 more states

Pollinators

bumble bees, hummingbirds

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and RangeNorthwestern Forested MountainsNorth American DesertsSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsHigh Plains

An upright, clump-forming perennial with a basal rosette of narrow evergreen leaves and tall spikes of tubular blue-purple flowers in late spring. Holds a neat, vertical form without staking.

Growing Rocky mountain penstemon

Grow Rocky mountain penstemon in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 30 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

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Wildlife value

Tubular flowers are a favorite of bumble bees and hummingbirds during the peak of the bloom season.

Common questions

How much sun does Rocky mountain penstemon need?
Rocky mountain penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Rocky mountain penstemon bloom?
Rocky mountain penstemon blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Rocky mountain penstemon native?
Rocky mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus) is native to AZ, CO, NM, UT and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Rocky mountain penstemon attract?
Rocky mountain penstemon draws bumble bees and hummingbirds.

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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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