Eastern Smooth Beardtongue
(Penstemon laevigatus)
Eastern Smooth Beardtongue (Penstemon laevigatus)
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Ken Kneidel
Public Domain
Image By:
Ken Kneidel
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Ken Kneidel | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Ken Kneidel | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-05-09T14:12:46Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Penstemon laevigatus, commonly known as Eastern Smooth Beardtongue, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands and grassy, sunny clearings in the Eastern USA. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), forming clumps of upright stems with lance-shaped leaves. The plant is admired for its tubular flowers, which are a mix of purple and white and bloom profusely from late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.
Eastern Smooth Beardtongue is valued for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to attract wildlife. It is often used in border plantings, native plant gardens, and as a part of pollinator-friendly landscaping. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it tolerates medium moisture, it is also somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should be aware that while generally pest-free, Penstemon laevigatus can suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Eastern Smooth Beardtongue is valued for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to attract wildlife. It is often used in border plantings, native plant gardens, and as a part of pollinator-friendly landscaping. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it tolerates medium moisture, it is also somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should be aware that while generally pest-free, Penstemon laevigatus can suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1.5-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, 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 and grassy, sunny clearings in the Eastern USA
Other Names
Common Names: Eastern Beardtongue
Scientific Names: , Penstemon laevigatus, Penstemon penstemon, Penstemon digitalis var. laevigatus, Chelone penstemon, Chelone laevigata, Bartramia pulchella, Penstemon glaucophyllus, Penstemon nuttallii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Penstemon laevigatus Aiton