Quick answer: Hairy beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus) is native to 19 states. What's commonly sold under this name is often a bred variety or the wrong species — see the lookalike alert below. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: D. Gordon E. Robertson, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry |
| Soil | Thin, well-drained soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Jun-Jul |
| Height | Up to 32 in tall |
| Wildlife value | Attracts hummingbirds, special value to native and bumble bees |
Lookalike alert
Cultivar only ('Snowbells') in all 6 states.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Hairy beardtongue
Where is Hairy beardtongue native?
Hairy beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus) is native to 19 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Hairy beardtongue bloom?
Hairy beardtongue blooms Jun-Jul. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Hairy beardtongue need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Dry. Soil: Thin, well-drained soils. Mature height: Up to 32 in tall.
Is Hairy beardtongue good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts hummingbirds, special value to native and bumble bees.
Is Hairy beardtongue deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Hairy beardtongue is deer-resistant, drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Hairy beardtongue seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Be aware that some sellers offer bred varieties under this name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Hairy beardtongue.
- Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Sheep laurel Kalmia angustifolia
- Sweet-fern Comptonia peregrina
- Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
- Lowbush blueberry Vaccinium angustifolium
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