Rydberg's Beardtongue
Penstemon rydbergii
Last reviewed: August 2026
Rydberg's Beardtongue (Penstemon rydbergii) is a perennial forb native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees and hummingbirds.
Toxicity unknown
Rydberg's Beardtongue (Penstemon rydbergii) 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.
Rydberg's Beardtongue is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states
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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Rydberg's beardtongue is a compact native perennial that produces tubular flowers in late spring through summer. This drought-tolerant wildflower forms neat clumps and works well in rock gardens and xeriscaping designs.
Growing Rydberg's Beardtongue
Grow Rydberg's Beardtongue in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 24 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Rydberg's Beardtongue takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Appears too wild and informal for front yard landscaping
- Unknown winter appearance may look untidy
- May be perceived as weedy by conservative HOAs
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and native bees during the blooming season from May through July.
Common questions
- How much sun does Rydberg's Beardtongue need?
- Rydberg's Beardtongue grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Rydberg's Beardtongue bloom?
- Rydberg's Beardtongue blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Rydberg's Beardtongue native?
- Rydberg's Beardtongue (Penstemon rydbergii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Rydberg's Beardtongue toxic to livestock?
- Rydberg's Beardtongue is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- What pollinators does Rydberg's Beardtongue attract?
- Rydberg's Beardtongue draws bees and hummingbirds.
- Is Rydberg's Beardtongue HOA-friendly?
- Rydberg's Beardtongue takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
Ready to grow Rydberg's Beardtongue? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz