Quick answer: Small's beardtongue (Penstemon smallii) is native to 5 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City, USA, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-2.0)
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 |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium |
| Soil | Light, well-drained, sandy/rocky, acidic |
| Bloom | Apr-Jun |
| Height | Up to 30 in |
| Wildlife value | Special value to native bees |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Small's beardtongue
Where is Small's beardtongue native?
Small's beardtongue (Penstemon smallii) is native to Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Small's beardtongue bloom?
Small's beardtongue blooms Apr-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Small's beardtongue need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Medium. Soil: Light, well-drained, sandy/rocky, acidic. Mature height: Up to 30 in.
Is Small's beardtongue good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Special value to native bees.
Is Small's beardtongue deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Small's beardtongue is deer-resistant.
Where can I buy Small's beardtongue?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Penstemon smallii by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Small's beardtongue.
- Lobed tickseed Coreopsis auriculata
- Eastern gray beardtongue Penstemon canescens
- Threadleaf coreopsis Coreopsis verticillata
- Eastern smooth beardtongue Penstemon laevigatus
- Plains coreopsis Coreopsis tinctoria
- Dwarf crested iris Iris cristata
Also listed under
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