Scarlet Bugler (Penstemon centranthifolius) is in the Plantain Family family (Plantaginaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,028 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.
Nationally it blooms mainly from April to June, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Scarlet Bugler: observations by month (U.S.)
About Scarlet Bugler
Penstemon centranthifolius is a species of penstemon known by the common name scarlet bugler. It is native to California and parts of Mexico, where it grows in many types of dry habitat from coast to desert, such as chaparral and oak woodland.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Scarlet Bugler by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,028 | May | Apr–Jun |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (Plantain Family)
Bird's-Eye Speedwell
Ribwort Plantain
Common Toadflax
White Turtlehead
Purple Foxglove
Canada toadflax
Ghost Flower
Foxglove Beardtongue
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Scarlet Bugler?
Nationally, May has the most observations, with the main season from April to June.
Where is Scarlet Bugler most often seen?
The most observations come from California.