Shrub•USDA: PEBA•PLANTED: SPRING 2026•
Rock Penstemon
Penstemon baccharifolius
FAMILY: Plantaginaceae (Plantain Family)ALSO KNOWN AS:
Rock BeardtongueCut-leaf PenstemonCut-leaf BeardtongueBaccharis-leaf PenstemonBaccharis-leaf Beardtongue
A standout species for Texas gardens, Rock Penstemon (Penstemon baccharifolius) is a semi-evergreen shrub native across the Chihuahuan Deserts, Edwards Plateau, and Southern Texas Plains.
During Spring, Summer, and Fall, the plant produces red blooms. Flowering is followed by ornamental capsule that add seasonal interest.
It plays a key ecological role as a larval host plant for Central Texas butterflies, including Common Buckeye. It provides essential nectar, shelter, or forage for native wildlife, including Deer and Hummingbirds.
Thriving in dry, limestone, rocky, and well drained, Rock Penstemon demonstrates outstanding hardiness once established. It requires minimal supplemental water and tolerates dry spells with ease. It offers minimal deer resistance.

Rock Penstemon
Penstemon baccharifolius
NATIVE RANGE // EPA & NPSOT
Texas Native Ecoregions10 REGIONS
[ INITIALIZING GEOSPATIAL MAP DATA... ]
Chihuahuan Deserts, Edwards Plateau, Southern Texas Plains
SOURCE: US EPA L3/L4 ECOREGIONS • NPSOT VERIFIED30.1727° N, 98.0873° W (DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX)
GROWTH & VISUAL PROFILEPerennial • Shrub
↕HEIGHT
1 ft.
↔SPREAD
1 ft.
🌱GROWTH
Moderate
🌿FOLIAGE
Semi Evergreen
BLOOM COLOR
Red
BLOOM CALENDARSpring, Summer, Fall (9 MO)
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
BOTANICAL ALIASES & ALTERNATE NAMES5 ALIASES
Rock BeardtongueCut-leaf PenstemonCut-leaf BeardtongueBaccharis-leaf PenstemonBaccharis-leaf Beardtongue
ECOLOGICAL ROLE & WILDLIFE
🦋 CENTRAL TEXAS LARVAL HOST PLANT
Larval food plant for: Common Buckeye
ATTRACTS & SUPPORTS
Larval Host: Common BuckeyeDeerHummingbirds
Larval host plant for Central Texas butterflies: Common Buckeye. Verified online via Texas Entomology (Mike Quinn). Verified via Texas Entomology (Mike Quinn, texasento.net) and Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (wildflower.org).
WATER NEEDLow (Drought Tolerant)
VL
LOW
MOD
HIGH
SOLAR NEEDSun, Part Shade
SHADE
PART SHADE
PART SUN
FULL SUN
SUBSTRATE & SOILpH: Neutral to Alkaline
DryLimestoneRockyWell Drained
⚠️ BOTANICAL SAFETY NOTICE
Non-toxic to humans, birds, and domestic animals.
MAINTENANCE & PROPAGATION
Low maintenance once established.