Graham's Penstemon
Penstemon grahamii
Last reviewed: October 2026
Toxicity unknown
Graham's Penstemon (Penstemon grahamii) 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
3"–8" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CO, UT
Pollinators
bees
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 458 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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A low, tufted beardtongue with thick gray-green leaves and large, pale pink to lavender flowers with a prominent bearded staminode. Grows on dry, shaly, lean soils.
In an HOA neighborhood
Graham's Penstemon is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: rock gardens.
- Needs very lean, fast-draining soil and fails in rich or irrigated beds.
Wildlife value
Its large spring flowers are worked by native bees.
Common questions
- How much sun does Graham's Penstemon need?
- Graham's Penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Graham's Penstemon bloom?
- Graham's Penstemon blooms in May and June.
- Where is Graham's Penstemon native?
- Graham's Penstemon (Penstemon grahamii) is native to CO, UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Graham's Penstemon attract?
- Graham's Penstemon draws bees.
- Is Graham's Penstemon HOA-friendly?
- Graham's Penstemon 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 Graham's Penstemon? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.