beardtongue Interesting Notes

Penstemon digitalis is a clump-forming, Missouri-native perennial which typically grows 3-5' tall and occurs in prairies, fields, wood margins, open woods and along railroad tracks. Features white, two-lipped, tubular flowers (to 1.25" long) borne in panicles atop erect, rigid stems. Flowers bloom mid-spring to early summer. Basal leaves are elliptic and stem leaves are lance-shaped to oblong. Penstemon in Greek means five stamens (four are fertile and one is sterile). Penstemon is sometimes commonly called beard tongue because the sterile stamen has a tuft of small hairs.

Genus name comes from the Greek pente meaning five and stemon meaning stamen in reference to the flowers having five stamens.

Specific epithet comes from the Latin digitus meaning finger for flowers that look like the finger of a glove. - Missouri Botanical Garden

Penstemon digitalis Growing and Maintenance Tips

Prefers average to moist, well-drained soil in full to partial sun. Penstemon digitalis is drought tolerant but grows poorly in heavy clay soils. Great for wild and perennial gardens, xeriscaping as well as naturalized areas.

Good Substitutions

Penstemon 'Blackbeard'

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'