Penstemon newberryi var. sonomensis, commonly known as Sonoma Beardtongue, is a perennial herb native to the mountainous regions of California, particularly the Sierra Nevada and the northern Coast Ranges. It thrives in open, rocky areas, including dry slopes, alpine meadows, and forest clearings. This variety typically grows at a moderate rate to a height and width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). Sonoma Beardtongue is characterized by its lance-shaped leaves and tubular flowers, which are a vibrant red to pink and bloom in the summer. The flowers are particularly showy, attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees.

Sonoma Beardtongue is valued for its striking floral display and its ability to thrive in challenging conditions with minimal care, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and native plant landscapes. It is drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soils, such as sandy or loamy types. While it can tolerate part shade, it flourishes in full sun, producing more abundant and vivid blooms. Although generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0