Eustis Lake Beardtongue
Penstemon australis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Penstemon australis is a native southeastern forb blooming May through June with tubular purple flowers. This beardtongue attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in partial sun gardens.
Toxicity unknown
Eustis Lake Beardtongue (Penstemon australis) 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
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, FL, GA, MS and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Before you buy
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Penstemon australis is a compact native perennial that produces tubular flowers in late spring and early summer. This beardtongue forms neat clumps with an upright growth habit and attracts a variety of pollinators during its blooming period.
Growing Eustis Lake Beardtongue
Grow Eustis Lake Beardtongue in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Eustis Lake Beardtongue is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Goes dormant in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
Supports bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich tubular flowers. The compact size makes it valuable for smaller pollinator gardens.
Common questions
- When does Penstemon australis bloom?
- Penstemon australis typically blooms from May through June, producing tubular flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Eustis Lake Beardtongue?
- This native beardtongue attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich tubular flowers.
- Where is Penstemon australis native?
- Penstemon australis is native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
- What growing conditions does Eustis Lake Beardtongue prefer?
- This forb grows well in partial sun with medium moisture levels, though it can tolerate a range of light and water conditions.
- Is Eustis Lake Beardtongue HOA-friendly?
- Eustis Lake Beardtongue is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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 Eustis Lake Beardtongue? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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