Penstemon acuminatus, commonly known as Sharpleaf Penstemon or Sand-Dune Penstemon, is a perennial herb that is native to the shrub-steppe and sandy habitats of the northwestern United States, particularly in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada. It typically grows up to 24 inches tall and features narrow, pointed leaves. The plant produces striking blue, purple, or pink tubular flowers arranged in whorls near the ends of the stems, which bloom from late spring to early summer and are highly attractive to pollinators.

Sharpleaf Penstemon is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. Its showy flowers and ease of maintenance also make it a popular choice for rock gardens, borders, and wildflower meadows. In cultivation, it requires minimal water once established, prefers full sun to part shade, and is best suited to sandy or rocky soils with good drainage. While it is used for revegetation and landscaping, it is also utilized for roadside seeding to stabilize soils and enhance natural beauty. Sharpleaf Penstemon is generally disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0