Native Plants
Plant Database
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Penstemon canescens
Penstemon canescens (Britton) Britton
Eastern Gray Penstemon, Eastern Gray Beardtongue
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Synonym(s): Penstemon brittoniorum, Penstemon canescens var. brittoniorum, Penstemon canescens var. typicus
USDA Symbol: PECA8
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Delicate, erect stems, usually several from the same rhizome, are 16-24 in. tall. Pale-lavender or white, snapdragon-like flowers occur in pairs along the upper part of the stem. A downy stem topped by a loose cluster of showy, tubular, violet-purple to pinkish flowers with darker violet-purple lines inside corolla. The paired, stem foliage is dark-green.
This is one of numerous beardtongues, which are most common in the western United States. The common name beardtongue refers to the tuft of hairs found on the sterile stamen of many species, including this one. Cobaea Beardtongue (P. cobaea), found on prairies and rocky bluffs from Nebraska east to Ohio, southwest through Missouri to Texas, and north to Kansas, reaches a height of 2 (60 cm) and has downy, clasping leaves and white to deep purple flowers to 2 (5 cm) long.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PurpleBloom Time: Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AL , GA , IL , IN , KY , MD , NC , OH , PA , SC , TN , VA , WVNative Distribution: C. PA to s. IN, s., chiefly in the mts., to SC & n.e. AL
Native Habitat: Shady banks spreading to roadsides, fields & woods
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Division is the easiest method of increase. Separate crowns in fall or early spring. Prune back the foliage of each new division. Propagate also by seed.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Germination is best with cold-moist stratification.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV
Toadshade Wildflower Farm - Frenchtown, NJ
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Additional resources
USDA: Find Penstemon canescens in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Penstemon canescens in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Penstemon canescens
Metadata
Record Modified: 2014-07-17Research By: TWC Staff