Whipple's Penstemon
Penstemon whippleanus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Whipple's Penstemon (Penstemon whippleanus) 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Whipple's Penstemon as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CO, ID, MT and 3 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 452 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
Whipple's penstemon is a compact native wildflower that produces tubular purple or blue flowers on upright stems during summer months. This drought-tolerant perennial forms neat clumps and requires minimal water once established, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
In an HOA neighborhood
Whipple's Penstemon is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- May go dormant in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers are specifically adapted to attract hummingbirds and provide an important nectar source. Native bees also visit the blooms regularly throughout the summer flowering period.
Common questions
- How much sun does Whipple's Penstemon need?
- Whipple's Penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Whipple's Penstemon bloom?
- Whipple's Penstemon blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Whipple's Penstemon native?
- Whipple's Penstemon (Penstemon whippleanus) is native to AZ, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Whipple's Penstemon toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Whipple's Penstemon as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Whipple's Penstemon attract?
- Whipple's Penstemon draws bees and hummingbirds.
- Is Whipple's Penstemon HOA-friendly?
- Whipple's 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.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Whipple's Penstemon? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz