Penstemon tenuis, commonly known as Sharpsepal Beardtongue, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the prairies and open woodlands of the South-Central USA, particularly Texas and Louisiana. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) with erect, slender stems. The foliage is lanceolate and bright green, providing a backdrop for the showy flowers. The bell-shaped flowers, which bloom from early April to early June, are arranged in terminal racemes and are notable for their pink to light purple color with contrasting white throats. Each flower measures approximately 0.5 inches (13 mm) across and is slightly longer, with a distinctive bilabiate structure; the upper lip has two erect lobes, while the lower lip has three rounded lobes.

Sharpsepal Beardtongue is valued for its early-season blooms and ability to attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. It is often used in wildflower gardens, borders, and naturalized areas. This species is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While it thrives in full sun to part shade, it requires moderate watering. There are no major disease problems, but root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. It is not known to be invasive and does not have aggressive roots.CC BY-SA 4.0