Fremont's Beardtongue
Penstemon fremontii
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Fremont's Beardtongue (Penstemon fremontii) 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"–18" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CO, UT, WY
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
Penstemon fremontii is a compact native wildflower that produces tubular blooms in shades of pink, purple, or white from May through July. This drought-tolerant perennial forms neat clumps and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Fremont's Beardtongue 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 particularly attractive to hummingbirds and native bees. This species provides excellent nectar sources during late spring and early summer months.
Common questions
- How much sun does Fremont's Beardtongue need?
- Fremont's Beardtongue grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Fremont's Beardtongue bloom?
- Fremont's Beardtongue blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Fremont's Beardtongue native?
- Fremont's Beardtongue (Penstemon fremontii) is native to CO, UT, WY, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Fremont's Beardtongue attract?
- Fremont's Beardtongue draws bees and hummingbirds.
- Is Fremont's Beardtongue HOA-friendly?
- Fremont's Beardtongue 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.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Fremont's Beardtongue? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.