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(Penstemon cobaea)
Cobaea Beardtongue (Penstemon cobaea)
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stlmark
Public Domain
Image By:
stlmark
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Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: stlmark | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: stlmark | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-05-29T07:37:54-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Penstemon cobaea, commonly known as Cobaea Beardtongue, is a perennial herb that is semi-evergreen to deciduous depending on the climate. It is native to the tallgrass prairies and glades of the Central United States, particularly in Missouri and Texas. This plant typically grows to about 30 cm (1 foot) in height, but under optimal conditions, it can reach up to 1.23 m (4 ft). Cobaea Beardtongue has a striking appearance with tubular flowers that are 5–7.5 cm (2–3 in) long, featuring five lobes arranged with two larger lobes on top and three smaller ones below. The flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer, can be white or pink with prominent magenta lines and have a unique structure resembling a ribcage inside, making them quite showy. The foliage consists of broad leaves that are 3.8–15 cm (1+1⁄2–5+7⁄8 in) long and 0.6–5 cm (1⁄4–2 in) wide.
Cobaea Beardtongue is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. It is often used in native plant gardens, perennial borders, and as a specimen plant. This species requires a spacing of 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) between plants and may benefit from the addition of lime to the soil to adjust pH levels. For successful cultivation, it prefers full sun exposure and well-drained soils with low to medium moisture. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may take about two years from seed to flower.CC BY-SA 4.0
Cobaea Beardtongue is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. It is often used in native plant gardens, perennial borders, and as a specimen plant. This species requires a spacing of 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) between plants and may benefit from the addition of lime to the soil to adjust pH levels. For successful cultivation, it prefers full sun exposure and well-drained soils with low to medium moisture. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may take about two years from seed to flower.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to tallgrass prairies and glades in the Central United States
Other Names
Common Names: Cobaea Penstemon, Prairie Beardtongue, Foxglove Penstemon
Scientific Names: , Penstemon cobaea, Penstemon cobaea subsp. typicus, Penstemon hansonii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Penstemon cobaea Nutt.