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Broadleaf penstemon

Penstemon ovatus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Broadleaf penstemon (Penstemon ovatus) is a perennial forb native to OR, WA. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees and hummingbirds.

Broadleaf penstemon (Penstemon ovatus)
Photo: Walter Siegmund (talk)

Toxicity unknown

Broadleaf penstemon (Penstemon ovatus) 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

medium

Size

18"–36" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds

Before you buy

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Upright perennial with broad, glossy leaves and tall spikes of vivid blue to purple tubular flowers. Found in open woodlands and meadows.

Growing Broadleaf penstemon

Grow Broadleaf penstemon in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Flowers are highly attractive to native bees and hummingbirds.

Common questions

How much sun does Broadleaf penstemon need?
Broadleaf penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Broadleaf penstemon bloom?
Broadleaf penstemon blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Broadleaf penstemon native?
Broadleaf penstemon (Penstemon ovatus) is native to OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Broadleaf penstemon attract?
Broadleaf penstemon draws bees and hummingbirds.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Broadleaf penstemon? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.