Hairy Beardtongue
(Penstemon hirsutus)
Hairy Beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus)
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Reuven Martin
Public Domain
Image By:
Reuven Martin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Reuven Martin | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Reuven Martin | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2016-06-09T16:20:41-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Penstemon hirsutus, commonly known as Hairy Beardtongue, is a perennial herb native to open woodlands, dry meadows, and grassland habitats in eastern Canada and the United States. It typically grows up to 90 centimeters tall with hairy stems, which is reflected in its species name, hirsutus. The leaves are opposite, stalkless, and lanceolate. During late spring to early summer, it produces tubular flowers that are violet to lavender in color, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. The flowers are moderately showy and are borne in loose terminal clusters.
Hairy Beardtongue is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in less fertile soils, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. It is often used in native plant gardens, perennial borders, and as a naturalizing element in informal settings. This species prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soils. While it is adaptable to various soil types, it performs best in sandy or rocky soils. Hairy Beardtongue is not commonly afflicted by serious diseases or pests, but powdery mildew and rust can occasionally be problems in humid conditions. It is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness.CC BY-SA 4.0
Hairy Beardtongue is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in less fertile soils, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. It is often used in native plant gardens, perennial borders, and as a naturalizing element in informal settings. This species prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soils. While it is adaptable to various soil types, it performs best in sandy or rocky soils. Hairy Beardtongue is not commonly afflicted by serious diseases or pests, but powdery mildew and rust can occasionally be problems in humid conditions. It is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness.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, Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, dry meadows, and grassland habitats
Other Names
Common Names: Hairy Penstemon, Northeastern Beardtongue, Hairy Beard-Tongue, Penstémon Hirsute, Azurpenstemon
Scientific Names: , Penstemon hirsutus, Penstemon pubescens, Penstemon hirsutus var. hirsutus, Chelone pubescens, Penstemon hirsutus var. pygmaeus, Chelone hirsuta, Penstemon mackayanus, Chelone pentstemon, Penstemon hirsutus f. albiflorus
GBIF Accepted Name: Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd.