Mountain Pride
Penstemon newberryi · Plantaginaceae
- Form
- Subshrub
- Height
- 6–12 in
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Water
- Very Low
- Blooms
- Jun, Jul, Aug
🌿 California native
Quick facts
- Habitat: Montane / Subalpine granite — rock crevices and talus
- Form / size: Low mat-forming subshrub, 6–12 in
- Sun: Full sun · Water: Very low
- Blooms: Summer — vivid rose-magenta · Pollinator value: High
Description
A low, woody-based mat that tucks into granite cracks and rocky slopes, erupting in summer with spikes of vivid rose-to-magenta tubular flowers — one of the great sights of a Sierra granite hike, often growing straight out of bare rock. Small, leathery, evergreen leaves.
Wildlife & pollinators
The tubular flowers are built for hummingbirds and large bees.
Habitat & range
Rocky Montane and Subalpine slopes, talus, and crevices of the Sierra and southern Cascades; granite country above the Eastern Sierra.
In the garden
A gem for rock gardens and crevice plantings in cold, sunny, sharply drained spots. Full sun, very low water, excellent drainage (hates wet feet).
Propagation
From seed (cold stratify) or cuttings; needs gritty, fast-draining mix.
Where to see it near you
- iNaturalist — observed across California (map)
- Granite slopes of the Eastern Sierra.
