Quick answer: Rocky Mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus) is native to 5 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seeds, verified 04 Nov 2026.
Photo: Todd Boland https://www.inaturalist.org/people/todd_boland, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low |
| Soil | Sandy or rocky soils, dry light well-drained |
| Bloom | May-Jun |
| Height | Up to 3 ft |
| Wildlife value | Special value to native bees |
none; very drought tolerant
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (04 Nov 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seeds via Amazon · listing verified 04 Nov 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Rocky Mountain penstemon
Where is Rocky Mountain penstemon native?
Rocky Mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus) is native to Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Rocky Mountain penstemon bloom?
Rocky Mountain penstemon blooms May-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Rocky Mountain penstemon need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: Low. Soil: Sandy or rocky soils, dry light well-drained. Mature height: Up to 3 ft.
Is Rocky Mountain penstemon good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Special value to native bees.
Is Rocky Mountain penstemon deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Rocky Mountain penstemon is deer-resistant, drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Rocky Mountain penstemon seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seeds that names the true species, last checked 04 Nov 2026. Look for the scientific name Penstemon strictus on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Rocky Mountain penstemon.
- Scarlet bugler Penstemon barbatus
- Creosote bush Larrea tridentata
- Desert marigold Baileya multiradiata
- Colorado blue columbine Aquilegia coerulea
- Silvery lupine Lupinus argenteus
- Utah serviceberry Amelanchier utahensis
Also listed under
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