Gairdner's Beardtongue
Penstemon gairdneri
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Gairdner's Beardtongue (Penstemon gairdneri) 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Gairdner's Beardtongue as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
ID, OR, WA
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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Gairdner's beardtongue is a compact native perennial with tubular purple or blue flowers that bloom from May through July. This drought-tolerant plant forms neat clumps and requires minimal water once established, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
In an HOA neighborhood
Gairdner'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 plant provides important nectar during late spring and early summer when many pollinators are most active.
Common questions
- How much sun does Gairdner's Beardtongue need?
- Gairdner's Beardtongue grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Gairdner's Beardtongue bloom?
- Gairdner's Beardtongue blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Gairdner's Beardtongue native?
- Gairdner's Beardtongue (Penstemon gairdneri) is native to ID, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Gairdner's Beardtongue toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Gairdner's Beardtongue as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Gairdner's Beardtongue attract?
- Gairdner's Beardtongue draws bees and hummingbirds.
- Is Gairdner's Beardtongue HOA-friendly?
- Gairdner'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.
Ready to grow Gairdner's Beardtongue? 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