Penstemon jamesii, commonly known as James’ Beardtongue, is a perennial herb that is semi-evergreen to evergreen, depending on the climate. It is native to the open woodlands, grasslands, and rocky slopes in the central and southern United States, from Colorado to Kansas and extending south to northern Mexico. This plant typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and a width of 0.5-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters). James’ Beardtongue has a clumping form with erect stems and narrow, lance-shaped leaves. From late spring to early summer, it produces showy spikes of tubular flowers that are purple to pink, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

James’ Beardtongue is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in challenging conditions, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is often used in rock gardens, perennial borders, and as a ground cover in dry, sunny areas. The plant prefers well-drained soils, especially sandy or gravelly loams, and requires minimal water once established. While it thrives in full sun, it can tolerate light shade. There are no significant disease or pest problems associated with Penstemon jamesii, but it can be sensitive to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0