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Chelan beardtongue

Penstemon pruinosus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Chelan beardtongue (Penstemon pruinosus) is a perennial forb native to WA. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees.

Chelan beardtongue (Penstemon pruinosus)
Photo: Thayne Tuason

Toxicity unknown

Chelan beardtongue (Penstemon pruinosus) 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

6"–14" H × 8"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

WA

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

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Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Chelan beardtongue.

A low compact perennial with waxy blue-green foliage and short spikes of blue-purple tubular flowers in early summer. Suited to dry rocky slopes and scabland soils.

Growing Chelan beardtongue

Grow Chelan beardtongue in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 14 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Tubular flowers provide nectar for bumble bees and other native bees in dry rocky habitats.

Common questions

How much sun does Chelan beardtongue need?
Chelan beardtongue grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Chelan beardtongue bloom?
Chelan beardtongue blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Chelan beardtongue native?
Chelan beardtongue (Penstemon pruinosus) is native to WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Chelan beardtongue attract?
Chelan beardtongue draws bees.

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.

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.

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