Penstemon heterodoxus, commonly known as Sierra beardtongue, is a perennial herb native to the mountainous regions of California and western Nevada, specifically thriving in subalpine and alpine climates within meadows, rocky slopes, and forest clearings. It typically grows up to 25 inches tall and can also spread in low mats. Sierra beardtongue has lance-shaped, medium-green leaves and produces clusters of dark purple-blue tubular flowers from late spring to early summer, which are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators.

Sierra beardtongue is valued for its vibrant floral display and its ability to thrive in challenging mountainous environments, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, alpine collections, and native plant landscapes. It requires well-drained soils, tolerates poor fertility, and once established, it is drought-resistant, needing minimal supplemental water. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is relatively low maintenance, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. There are no widely known cultivars of this species, but its natural beauty makes it a standout in cultivation without the need for selective breeding.CC BY-SA 4.0