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Martin, Edwin M.
Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd.
Hairy beardtongue
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
USDA Symbol: pehi
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Erect, hairy stems, usually several from the same rhizome, are 16-24 in. tall. Leaves are oblong. A woolly-stemmed plant with open, stalked clusters of lavender, trumpet-shaped flowers with white lips. The tubular, lipped flowers are very slender, about an inch long, and pale-violet flowers. The mouth is nearly closed by the arched base of the lower lip.
The Beardtongues are a very large group, and taxonomically so complex that separating the species is often difficult. This species is readily distinguished, however, by the downy nature of the stem. The common and scientific names refer to the tufted sterile stamen.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Pink , PurpleBloom Time: Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AL , CT , DC , DE , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , TN , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: ON , QC
Native Distribution: ME to WI, s. to VA & KY
Native Habitat: Dry woods; rocky fields; bluffs
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , ShadeSoil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Thin, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available
Benefit
Use Wildlife: HummingbirdsConspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Hummingbirds
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSpecial Value to Bumble Bees
This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Penstemon hirsutus is a larval host and/or nectar source for:|
Baltimore (Euphydryas phaeton)  Food Source |
Propagation
Description: Propagate by seed.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Germination is best with cold-moist stratification.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Native wildflowers for Northern Indiana
May 08, 2007
I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
on Saturday April 21. What a beautiful place. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. I was
wondering how I could find out w...
view the full question and answer
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
Toadshade Wildflower Farm - Frenchtown, NJ
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:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 1186 - Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.Bibref 1185 - Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright
* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
Search 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 hirsutus in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Penstemon hirsutus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Penstemon hirsutus
Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-12-09Research By: TWC Staff
