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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Penstemon smallii Heller
Small's beardtongue, Small's penstemon
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
USDA Symbol: PESM
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Numerous, tube-shaped, dark-pink, white-throated flowers are borne on upright, branched stalks up to 2 1/2 ft. high. Differing from other eastern penstemons, the flowering branches extend down into the axils of the leafy stems, giving the plant a bushy appearance. The shiny, opposite leaves have attractive, dark veins and clasping, heart-shaped bases. The basal rosette of leaves turns reddish-bronze in the winter.
Smalls Beardtongue blooms for up to four weeks, much longer than other eastern penstemons. It occurs naturally in places that are in shade for half the day, but also tolerates full sun. A popular flower in mountainous regions of the South.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Root Type: Tap
Size Notes: 18 to 30 inches
Flower: Flowers 1.5 inches long
Fruit: Tan
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Pink , PurpleBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Bloom Notes: lavender colored
Distribution
USA: AL , GA , NC , SC , TNNative Distribution: Mountains of NC &TN to AL
Native Habitat: Wood margins; exposed or shaded cliffs & banks
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Drought Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Light, well-drained soil or sandy and rocky OK. Acidic preferred.
Conditions Comments: Likes moist soil but doesnt like excessive wetness.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Grows in sun and part shadeConspicuous Flowers: yes
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Propagation Material: Root Division , SeedsDescription: Sow seeds immediately outdoors. Most will wait to germinate until spring. Stem cuttings may be taken in early summer, after flowering, and stuck in sand:perlite. Division is the easiest method of increase. Separate crowns in fall or early spring.
Seed Collection: Seeds are ready for collection about 6-8 weeks after flowering. Fruiting stems should be collected when the capsules are darkened and contain dark seeds. Allow seeds to air-dry several days. Store in sealed, refrigerated container.
Commercially Avail: yes
Maintenance: Short-lived, so resow seed every 2 or 3 years for a continuous population.
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
Amandas Garden - Springwater, NY
Sunshine Farm & Gardens - Renick, WV
Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
Toadshade Wildflower Farm - Frenchtown, NJ
Prairie Nursery - Westfield, WI
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Tohono Chul Park, Inc. - Tucson, AZ
Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Penstemon smallii in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Penstemon smallii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Penstemon smallii
Metadata
Record Modified: 2009-01-31Research By: TWC Staff
