Penstemon pinifolius is found in upper elevation Ponderosa Pine forests, growing either among the needles or on top of rocks in the area. It also grows on isolated rocky crags among pinon and juniper. Penstemon pinifolius has leaves that are dark green and linear on stems that are rarely more than 8-12 inches tall. The corollas are red. The low, more sprawling habit of Penstemon pinifolius is a bit different than the usual upright growth habit of common Penstemons in this area.