Penstemon grinnellii, commonly known as Grinnell’s beardtongue, is a perennial herb native to chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodlands of California, ranging from the San Francisco Bay Area to the Sierra Nevada and the Peninsular Ranges near the Mexican border. It typically grows to a height of up to 33 inches (84 cm) with upright stems. The oblong leaves are distinctive, up to 4 inches long, folded lengthwise, and curved backward. From late spring to early summer, the glandular inflorescence produces showy clusters of tubular flowers, which are purple-tinged white or violet, measuring 0-1 inch long. The flowers are notable for their three lower lobes streaked with dark lines, a hairy throat, and a long-haired, protruding staminode that is characteristic of the genus.

Grinnell’s beardtongue is valued for its drought tolerance and attractive flowers, making it suitable for native plant gardens, xeriscaping, and as a border plant in dry, sunny areas. It thrives in well-drained soils and requires little water once established, embodying the principles of water-wise gardening. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade. This species is not commonly affected by diseases but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems.CC BY-SA 4.0