Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)

Foxglove Beardtongue

(Penstemon digitalis)

Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)

Andrey Zharkikh

CC BY 2.0

Image By: Andrey Zharkikh

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: Andrey Zharkikh | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: AndreyZharkikh | Publisher: Flickr

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Penstemon digitalis, commonly known as Foxglove Beardtongue, is a semi-deciduous to deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands, prairies, and fields in the Central and Eastern United States. It typically grows 3 to 5 feet tall with a spread of 1.5 to 2.5 feet. The plant features opposite, shiny green, lanceolate leaves on slender, purple-tinged stems. Its white, tubular flowers with a purple-tinged throat bloom in late spring to early summer and are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

Foxglove Beardtongue is valued for its ornamental flowers, ease of maintenance, and its ability to attract wildlife. It is commonly used in native plant gardens, borders, and as part of pollinator-friendly landscaping. This species thrives in a variety of conditions but prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and can handle a range of soil types, including clay. While generally pest-free, it can occasionally suffer from foliar diseases in overly moist conditions. Foxglove Beardtongue is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, making it a reliable choice for gardeners. It is also recognized by the American Penstemon Society for its ease of use in various garden settings across the United States.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 3-5 feet
Width: 1.5-2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium, High
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, prairies, and fields in the Central and Eastern United States

Other Names

Common Names: Talus Slope Penstemon, White Beardtongue

Scientific Names: , Penstemon digitalis, Penstemon alluviorum, Penstemon laevigatus var. digitalis, Penstemon laevigatus subsp. digitalis, Chelone digitalis, Penstemon digitalis f. baueri, Penstemon digitalis var. multiflorus, Penstemon digitalis var. albidus, Penstemon laevigatus subsp. alluviorum

GBIF Accepted Name: Penstemon digitalis Nutt.