Waxleaf Penstemon
Penstemon nitidus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Toxicity unknown
Waxleaf Penstemon (Penstemon nitidus) 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"–18" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
ID, MT, ND, SD 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.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Waxleaf penstemon is a compact native wildflower with glossy, waxy leaves that stay green year-round. It produces clusters of tubular blue to purple flowers from May through July on short, sturdy stems.
In an HOA neighborhood
Waxleaf Penstemon 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 excellent for native bees and attract hummingbirds during summer blooms. The compact size makes it valuable for smaller pollinators that prefer low-growing flower sources.
Common questions
- How much sun does Waxleaf Penstemon need?
- Waxleaf Penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Waxleaf Penstemon bloom?
- Waxleaf Penstemon blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Waxleaf Penstemon native?
- Waxleaf Penstemon (Penstemon nitidus) is native to ID, MT, ND, SD and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Waxleaf Penstemon attract?
- Waxleaf Penstemon draws bees and hummingbirds.
- Is Waxleaf Penstemon HOA-friendly?
- Waxleaf Penstemon 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 Waxleaf Penstemon? 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