Penstemon gairdneri, commonly known as Gairdner’s beardtongue, is a perennial herb that is native to the open dry habitats of the Pacific Northwest, specifically in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. It thrives in the open, often rocky areas of hills and mountains at low to moderate elevations, where it can be found in meadows, grasslands, and forest clearings. This species is particularly adapted to thin, rocky soils often found above basalt bedrock. Gairdner’s beardtongue typically forms a low, branched, woody base with erect flower-bearing stems ranging from 4 to 16 inches tall. It also produces short, densely-leafy stems that create a basal mat. The numerous linear leaves, up to 2 inches long, attach directly to the stems. The plant is notable for its showy purple to lilac flowers, which bloom in a loose elongated cluster at the top of the leafy stems, typically in late spring to early summer.

Gairdner’s beardtongue is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to thrive in dry, challenging conditions, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, native plant gardens, and xeriscaping. It requires minimal maintenance once established and is drought-tolerant, requiring little water. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. There are no widely known popular garden cultivars of this species, but its natural form is well-regarded for its beauty and resilience. Gardeners should be aware that it may not compete well with more aggressive plants.CC BY-SA 4.0