Scarlet Bugler or Penstemon centranthifolius is an attractive evergreen perennial herb with numerous vertical branches that can exceed four feet in height. Dozens of bright red to orange narrow tubular flowers in opposite pairs along a two to four-foot flower spike stand out when Spring turns to Summer. Different from most other plants growing in chaparral, all parts of this plant are smooth and hairless - other native plants have fine hairs to trap and retain moisture.