Grinnell's Beardtongue
Penstemon grinnellii · Plantaginaceae
- Form
- Perennial
- Height
- 1-3 ft
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Blooms
- May, Jun, Jul, Aug
🌿 California native
Quick facts
- Habitat: Montane, dry chaparral openings
- Form / size: Upright perennial, 1-3 ft
- Sun: Full sun · Water (established): Low
- Blooms: Late spring-summer · Pollinator value: High
Description
A mountain penstemon with lavender to violet-blue tubular flowers and somewhat fuzzy stems/leaves. Compared with scarlet bugler, it feels cooler-toned and bee-oriented: purple flowers, broader mouth, and a softer mountain-wildflower posture.
Wildlife & pollinators
Attractive to native bees and bumble bees; hummingbirds may also visit. Penstemons are useful bridge plants between spring bloom and summer dryness.
Habitat & range
Dry montane slopes, chaparral openings, rocky cuts, and forest edges in Southern California mountains.
In the garden
Good in dry native borders, especially with rocks, open soil, and lean drainage. It pairs well with buckwheats, yarrow, and small manzanitas.
Propagation
From seed sown in fall or from basal cuttings. Avoid rich, wet soil.
Where to see it near you
- iNaturalist — observed in Southern California
- San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountain roadsides, slopes, and openings.
Problems
Usually easy in the right dry, open conditions. It can fade out in heavy soil or with too much summer irrigation.
Sources
Commonly confused with
Scarlet Bugler 🌿 Penstemon centranthifolius red-orange, narrow tubes; Grinnell's is lavender/purple and more bee-friendly in flower shape. 
