Pinto Beardtongue: A Rare Nevada Native Worth Protecting
Meet the pinto beardtongue (Penstemon bicolor bicolor), a fascinating and exceptionally rare native wildflower that calls Nevada home. This little-known perennial represents one of nature’s more elusive treasures, making it both a conservation priority and a challenging but rewarding addition for dedicated native plant enthusiasts.
A Truly Rare Find
Before we dive into growing this beauty, there’s something important you need to know: pinto beardtongue is rare. With a conservation status of S3T2Q, this subspecies has very limited distribution and populations. If you’re considering adding it to your garden, you’ll want to source it only from reputable native plant nurseries that practice responsible propagation methods.
Where It Calls Home
Pinto beardtongue is native to the United States and currently found only in Nevada. This limited geographic range makes it all the more precious and highlights the importance of protecting existing populations while carefully cultivating new ones in appropriate garden settings.
What Makes It Special
As a perennial forb, pinto beardtongue lacks the woody stems of shrubs and trees, instead growing as an herbaceous plant that returns year after year. Like other members of the Penstemon family, it likely produces tubular flowers that are magnets for pollinators, particularly hummingbirds and native bees. The bicolor in its name suggests flowers with two distinct colors, though specific details about this rare subspecies remain limited in gardening literature.
Garden Role and Landscape Use
Due to its rarity and Nevada origins, pinto beardtongue is best suited for:
- Specialized native plant collections
- Conservation gardens
- Desert and arid landscape designs
- Educational botanical displays
This isn’t a plant for casual gardening—it’s for dedicated native plant enthusiasts who want to participate in conservation efforts while enjoying something truly unique.
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing requirements for this rare subspecies aren’t well-documented, we can infer from its Nevada habitat and Penstemon family traits that it likely prefers:
- Well-draining, possibly sandy or rocky soils
- Full sun to partial shade
- Low to moderate water needs once established
- Good air circulation
Given Nevada’s climate, this plant has probably evolved to handle temperature extremes and drought conditions, making it potentially suitable for xerophytic gardening in appropriate hardiness zones.
The Conservation Angle
Here’s where pinto beardtongue gets really interesting from a conservation perspective. By growing this rare native, you’re potentially:
- Supporting genetic diversity outside its natural habitat
- Learning about Nevada’s unique flora
- Contributing to conservation awareness
- Preserving seeds for future restoration efforts
Should You Grow It?
The answer depends on your gardening goals and commitment level. You should consider pinto beardtongue if you:
- Live in an appropriate climate zone
- Are passionate about rare native plants
- Have experience growing Penstemon species
- Can source it responsibly from conservation-minded nurseries
- Are committed to proper care and possibly seed collection
However, this isn’t the plant for you if you’re looking for something low-maintenance, readily available, or guaranteed to thrive in typical garden conditions.
The Bottom Line
Pinto beardtongue represents the fascinating intersection of gardening and conservation. While it may not be the easiest plant to find or grow, it offers something invaluable: the opportunity to nurture a rare piece of Nevada’s natural heritage right in your own backyard. Just remember—with great rarity comes great responsibility. If you decide to grow this special plant, make sure you’re doing so as part of conservation efforts, not adding pressure to wild populations.
For most gardeners interested in Penstemon species, starting with more common native varieties might be wise before taking on the challenge and responsibility of growing this rare Nevada treasure.
