Rocky mountain penstemon
Penstemon strictus
Last reviewed: September 2026
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
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 450 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
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.
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.
Ready to grow Rocky mountain 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