Penstemon hirsutus (hairy beardtongue)

Hairy beardtongue is an easy to grow and adaptable shorter Penstemon that reaches 1.5–2'. It tolerates full sun through full shade and dry to moist soil conditions. The woolly stems help distinguish it from other Penstemon species. Purple or purplish-pink flowers bloom May-June. These plants are tough as nails. A popular rock garden plant.

Hairy beardtongue is native to the eastern Canada and the U.S. It is found in dry woods, rocky fields, and on bluffs. Attracts bumblebees, native bees, and hummingbirds. Host plant to Baltimore checkerspots.

Photo courtesy of Delmarva Native Plants