Sulphur Beardtongue
Penstemon attenuatus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Sulphur Beardtongue (Penstemon attenuatus) is a perennial forb native to ID, MT, OR, WA and 1 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees and hummingbirds. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Sulphur Beardtongue (Penstemon attenuatus) 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
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
ID, MT, OR, WA and 1 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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Penstemon attenuatus is a compact native perennial that produces tubular purple-blue flowers from May through July. This drought-tolerant plant maintains its foliage year-round and forms neat clumps that work well in organized garden settings.
Growing Sulphur Beardtongue
Grow Sulphur Beardtongue in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 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
Sulphur Beardtongue is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and native bees during the summer blooming period.
Common questions
- How much sun does Sulphur Beardtongue need?
- Sulphur Beardtongue grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Sulphur Beardtongue bloom?
- Sulphur Beardtongue blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Sulphur Beardtongue native?
- Sulphur Beardtongue (Penstemon attenuatus) is native to ID, MT, OR, WA and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Sulphur Beardtongue attract?
- Sulphur Beardtongue draws bees and hummingbirds.
- Is Sulphur Beardtongue HOA-friendly?
- Sulphur 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.
Ready to grow Sulphur 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