Southern Beardtongue penstemon

A herbaceous perennial that spreads to 2 feet wide and 1.5 feet tall. Native to California’s coast ranges and foothills. Var. australis differs from other varieties in that it is native to southern and central CA, and has slightly narrower, more linear shaped leaves.

The 1 to 1.5 inch tubular flowers are densely borne on 20” spikes. Attracts hummingbirds, regular birds and butterflies. Southern Beardtongue Penstemon is also a larval host plant for several moths and checkerspot butterflies. It needs no summer water once established and is adapted to poor, dry, well-drained soil. Fire resistant. Excellent in rock gardens, or dry garden containers.

Lifeform: Perennial

Sun:

Water: Dry, Light, Moderate

Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand

Other: Attracts Bees, Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant