| Scarlet Bugler |
| Penstemon centranthifolius |
| Family: Plantaginaceae (Plantain) |
| Flowers — color: red, size: 1" long, type: tubular |
Scarlet Bugler flowers have five bright red petals overlapping to form a 1" tube. The end flares slightly revealing the individual petals, but less dramatic than the similar flower of the Indian Pink. Some white anthers may be seen inside one of the blooms. Projecting horizontally, the flowers seem perfect for hummingbirds.
Multiple flower buds form on short stems at leaf nodes on the vertical stem. The flowering portion of the stem may be several feet long.
Habit:
Scarlet Bugler is a native evergreen perennial. Multiple stems rise from the the base that may reach three feet tall. The leaves are thick, smooth, and lance-shaped. Pairs attach in opposition directly to the stem. Open sunny grassy areas.
Observations:
The first specimens of Scarlet Bugler I've noticed are on the shoulder of Burton Mesa Rd. near the old firehouse. One afternoon I saw a group of young men from CalFire working the shoulder with weed-whackers. They avoided the poison oak but decimated the buglers. They have a hard job, but they must not be flower-lovers.