Penstemon hirsutus-Hairy Beardtongue

Hairy Beardtongue is a hardy and versatile native plant with stalked clusters of delicate tubular flowers that define the top half of the plant in late spring and early summer, giving it an airy feel. These blooms range in color from violet to pale lavender, pink or even white, and appear earlier than with other penstemon species. They attract all the pollinators, including hummingbirds, and fill an important nectar niche in late-spring as the blooms of earlier spring flowers are withering. Its foliage is larval host to numerous butterfly species including the threatened Baltimore Checkerspot. The plant does well in almost any soil or sun conditions and will readily self-seed but is not considered particularly aggressive. Foliage turns a striking red color in the fall, providing late-season interest.

Sun: Full, Partial, Shade

Soil: Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry, Dry

Bloom Time: May, June

Color: Purple

Height: 18 in