Penstemon thompsoniae, commonly known as Thompson’s Beardtongue, is a low-growing perennial herb native to desert scrub, rocky slopes, and pinyon-juniper woodlands in the southwestern United States, particularly in Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. It thrives at elevations between 4,900 and 11,200 feet. This species typically forms dense mats with ashy gray-green foliage and produces showy, tubular purple flowers from late spring to early summer, which are attractive to pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees.

Thompson’s Beardtongue is valued for its drought tolerance and unique floral display, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and native plant enthusiasts. It requires well-drained soils, minimal water once established, and thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it is not widely used in general horticulture due to its specific growing requirements and sensitivity to overwatering, it can be a beautiful and ecologically beneficial addition to appropriate garden settings. Gardeners should be aware that it is a species of conservation concern in some areas, such as California, and should be cultivated with care to avoid contributing to its decline in the wild.CC BY-SA 4.0