Nodding Beardtongue
Penstemon laxiflorus
Last reviewed: July 2026
Toxicity unknown
Nodding Beardtongue (Penstemon laxiflorus) 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
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, LA, MS and 2 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, nectar insects
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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Nodding Beardtongue is a compact native perennial that produces drooping tubular flowers in spring. This drought-tolerant wildflower forms neat clumps and goes dormant in summer heat, returning with cooler fall weather.
In an HOA neighborhood
Nodding Beardtongue is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees during the spring blooming period. This native penstemon provides important early-season nectar when few other plants are flowering.
Common questions
- How much sun does Nodding Beardtongue need?
- Nodding Beardtongue grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Nodding Beardtongue bloom?
- Nodding Beardtongue blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Nodding Beardtongue native?
- Nodding Beardtongue (Penstemon laxiflorus) is native to AL, AR, LA, MS and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Nodding Beardtongue attract?
- Nodding Beardtongue draws butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and nectar insects.
- Is Nodding Beardtongue HOA-friendly?
- Nodding 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 Nodding Beardtongue? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz