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Native Plant Society of Texas

Pink Plains Penstemon

Penstemon ambiguus

Other common name(s):

Pink Plains Beardtongue, Gilia Penstemon, Gilia Beardtongue, Sand Penstemon, Sand Beardtongue

Family:

Plantaginaceae (Plantain Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts, High Plains
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Arid Llano Estacado, Canadian/Cimarron High Plains, Llano Estacado, Rolling Sand Plains, Shinnery Sands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
4
ft.

Spread

1
to
4
ft.

Leaf Retention

Semi Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Well Drained, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Pink

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Nectar Insects, Hummingbirds, Bees

Maintenance

Tolerates most well drained soils, but prefers sand. Provides masses of flowers half of the year. Will grow a little shorter on heavy soils. In warmer climates it may bloom all year. Withstands hot and dry conditions. WARNING: toxic if ingested. Propagation: seed, root division.

Comments

Blooms May-October. This penstemon is a mounded, shrub-like perennial. Flowers are whitish-pink, tubular shaped, with pansy-like faces. Leaves are thread-like, some persisting year-round.

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas. 2) Wasowski, Sally and Wasowski, Andy, Native Texas Plants, Landscaping Region by Region, 1988, 1991, pg 199. 3) Miller, George O., Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas 2nd Ed., 2013, pg 48. 4) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=17233&locationType=County&mapType=Normal. 5) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PEAM. 6) https://portal.torcherbaria.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxon=Penstemon+ambiguus&formsubmit=Search+Terms, 7) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=33808#null

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment For best results, aim to sow your Penstemon ambiguus seeds indoors approximately 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Prepare a well-draining seed starting mix. Moisten the mix and sprinkle the seeds evenly over the surface. Gently press the seeds into the mix without burying them – Penstemon ambiguus seeds require light for germination. Once your Penstemon ambiguus seedlings have developed at least two sets of true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into individual pots or outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Collect mature seed capsules from existing Penstemon ambiguus plants in late summer or fall. Allow the capsules to dry thoroughly, then gently break them open to extract the tiny, black seeds. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-penstemon-ambiguus/
Stem Cutting Using a sharp, clean knife or pruning shears, make a cut just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few at the top. While not strictly necessary, dipping the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone can encourage faster and more successful root development. Insert the prepared cuttings into a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of perlite and peat moss. Maintain a consistently moist environment around the cuttings, misting them regularly. After 4-6 weeks, gently tug on the cuttings to check for root development. Once roots have formed, transplant the rooted cuttings into individual pots or into your garden after the last frost. The optimal time for taking Penstemon ambiguus cuttings is in late spring or early summer during the plant’s active growing season. Select healthy, non-flowering stems that are about 3-4 inches long. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-penstemon-ambiguus/

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason