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Pale Beardtongue

Penstemon pallidus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Pale Beardtongue (Penstemon pallidus)
Photo: https://www.inaturalist.org/people/supertiger / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CT, GA and 23 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Pale beardtongue is a compact native perennial that forms neat clumps of narrow green foliage. It produces delicate tubular white to pale pink flowers on upright stems from May through July, creating an elegant display in sunny gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

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

  • Goes dormant in winter leaving bare ground

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers are excellent for native bees and butterflies, providing nectar throughout late spring and early summer.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Pale Beardtongue fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.