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Pineneedle beardtongue

Penstemon pinifolius

Last reviewed: October 2026

Pineneedle beardtongue (Penstemon pinifolius) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, NM. It blooms in May, June, July, August, and September. The flowers draw hummingbirds and bees.

Pineneedle beardtongue (Penstemon pinifolius)
Photo: (c) Andrew Tree, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Pineneedle beardtongue (Penstemon pinifolius) 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"–12" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, NM

Pollinators

hummingbirds, bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Arizona/New Mexico MountainsMadrean Archipelago

A tight, mounding evergreen subshrub with fine needle-like foliage that resembles a small conifer, covered in tubular red-orange flowers through most of the warm season. It keeps a neat, cushion-like shape without pruning.

Growing Pineneedle beardtongue

Grow Pineneedle beardtongue in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 12 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

How to care for Pineneedle beardtongue, by region

How to care for Pineneedle beardtongue where it is actually grown: year-round basics plus what to do each season, region by region, with the sources for each.

Care guidance last updated: October 2026

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Chihuahuan Deserts (includes El Paso, TX)

Year-round

Pineleaf penstemon is a small evergreen with orange flowers that suits hot, dry, rocky spots, a good match for El Paso.

  • Plant in full sun, at least 6 hours a day.
  • Use very well-drained soil. It cannot take standing water.
  • Water lightly once established. A gravel mulch mimics its home ground.
  • Do not crowd it. Give plants room for sun and airflow.

Gravel mulch and a trimmed mound keep it looking deliberate in a front bed.

Fall

Fall is a good time to plant and do a light trim.

  • Trim back lightly at season end for a bushier plant.
  • Keep gravel mulch around the base.
  • Do not overwater.

Winter

Winter needs almost nothing from you.

  • The needle-like leaves stay green year-round.
  • Leaves may brown in cold, so wait until spring to judge and prune.
  • Water only during long dry, mild stretches.

Spring

Spring is the time to look over the plant and tidy it.

  • Wait until spring to see which parts survived winter, then remove the dead parts.
  • Plant new ones in spring in a gravelly, fast-draining spot.
  • Water new plants regularly so they root in.

Summer

Early summer is bloom time. Deadhead and go easy on water.

  • Orange tubular flowers show up in May and June.
  • Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
  • Water lightly. Established plants need little.

Sources: Conservation Garden Park: Pineleaf Penstemon, Epic Gardening: Pineleaf Penstemon (community tip)

Wildlife value

The long bloom season makes it one of the most reliable hummingbird plants available for a dry, sunny bed.

Common questions

How much sun does Pineneedle beardtongue need?
Pineneedle beardtongue grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Pineneedle beardtongue bloom?
Pineneedle beardtongue blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Pineneedle beardtongue native?
Pineneedle beardtongue (Penstemon pinifolius) is native to AZ, NM, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Pineneedle beardtongue attract?
Pineneedle beardtongue draws hummingbirds and bees.

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

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