How much sun does James' Beardtongue need?

James' Beardtongue grows best in full sun conditions.

When does James' Beardtongue bloom?

James' Beardtongue blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is James' Beardtongue native?

James' Beardtongue (Penstemon jamesii) is native to CO, KS, NM, TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does James' Beardtongue attract?

James' Beardtongue draws bees and hummingbirds.

Is James' Beardtongue HOA-friendly?

James' Beardtongue is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

James' Beardtongue

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Penstemon jamesii

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

James' Beardtongue (Penstemon jamesii) 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

8"–16" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CO, KS, NM, TX

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Edwards Plateau

James' beardtongue is a compact native perennial that forms neat clumps of gray-green foliage. It produces delicate tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white from late spring through summer, creating an attractive low-maintenance groundcover.

In an HOA neighborhood

James' Beardtongue is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Dies back in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

This plant is excellent for supporting native bees and attracts hummingbirds with its tubular flowers. It provides important nectar sources during its long blooming period from May through July.

Common questions

How much sun does James' Beardtongue need?: James' Beardtongue grows best in full sun conditions.
When does James' Beardtongue bloom?: James' Beardtongue blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is James' Beardtongue native?: James' Beardtongue (Penstemon jamesii) is native to CO, KS, NM, TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does James' Beardtongue attract?: James' Beardtongue draws bees and hummingbirds.
Is James' Beardtongue HOA-friendly?: James' 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.

See all plant problem guides

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

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