Beaked Beardtongue (Penstemon)

Beaked Beardtongue is Penstemon rostriflorus, also called Bridges’ Penstemon, Beaked Penstemon, or Mountain Fountains. This upright, clumping species has a woody base, gray-green foliage, and orange-red to scarlet flowers that attract hummingbirds. Bloom is generally strongest from June through August, though flowering has been observed from early June into October. ## Growing Conditions The University of Wyoming’s Western Native Plants profile describes the species in dry, gravelly habitats and recommends full sun, low fertility, and keeping the soil on the dry side. It reports an average wild height of about 16 inches, while noting that taller plants exceeding 36 inches have been observed. That variation makes individual garden size dependent on local conditions. The profile describes flowers about an inch long and notes that seed pods may remain visible for more than a year. [The species profile](https://cwelwnp.usu.edu/westernnativeplants/plantlist_view.php?id=46&name=penstemonrostriflorus) includes these habitat and growth details. Colorado State University Extension’s [growing guide for Penstemons](https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/growing-penstemons/) recommends well-aerated, well-drained soil for the genus and notes that its flowers attract pollinators. ## Maintenance Avoid wet or compacted soil, and water sparingly once established. Deadheading can encourage additional later flowering; remove persistent seed pods when you prefer a tidier look, or leave them for natural interest.