Beardlip Penstemon
Penstemon barbatus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Beardlip Penstemon (Penstemon barbatus) is a perennial forb native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 2 more states. It blooms in April, May, June, and July. The flowers draw hummingbirds and bees. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Beardlip Penstemon (Penstemon barbatus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, NM and 2 more states
Pollinators
hummingbirds, bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Beardlip penstemon is a compact perennial wildflower that produces tubular red to pink flowers on upright stems from spring through summer. This drought-tolerant native maintains evergreen foliage year-round and forms neat clumps that work well in desert gardens.
Growing Beardlip Penstemon
Grow Beardlip Penstemon in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Beardlip Penstemon is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers are magnets for hummingbirds and also attract native bees. This plant provides reliable nectar from April through July.
Common questions
- How much sun does Beardlip Penstemon need?
- Beardlip Penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Beardlip Penstemon bloom?
- Beardlip Penstemon blooms in April, May, June, and July.
- Where is Beardlip Penstemon native?
- Beardlip Penstemon (Penstemon barbatus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Beardlip Penstemon attract?
- Beardlip Penstemon draws hummingbirds and bees.
- Is Beardlip Penstemon HOA-friendly?
- Beardlip Penstemon is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Beardlip Penstemon? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz