Penstemon hirsutus (Hairy Beardtongue) Unity Grown

Penstemon hirsutus (Hairy Beardtongue) is a one to three foot tall native perennial wildflower with green to reddish stems and small lance-shaped leaves that turn red in the fall. Hairy beardtongue produces small, tubular flowers in varying shades from white to pale blue to pale purple in May and June which are favorites of bees and hummingbirds.

These flowers have a protruding lower 'lip' that is covered in fine hairs, as is much of the plant, providing a soft texture and lending the plant its species name hirsutus. Hairy beardtongue is additionally a very versatile plant for native landscaping and does well in a variety of soil conditions, moisture levels, and levels of sun exposure.