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.

Nodding Beardtongue

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Penstemon laxiflorus

Last reviewed: October 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

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Southeastern Plains Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain

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.

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

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