Penstemon smallii

Common Name(s):

Beard tongue

Categories:

Herbs, Native Plants, Perennials, Wildflowers

Comment:

Penstemon smallii, commonly called 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.  A small plant in the Penstemon family that does well in dry conditions.  It is a short lived (2-3 seasons) but reseeds close around. 

The native habit of this plant includes wood margins, exposed or shaded cliffs & banks.

Regions:  Mountain

Seasons of Interest: 

   Blooms:  Summer            Nut/Fruit/Seed:  Late summer

Wildlife Value:  This plant is moderately resistant to damage from deer.  It is a host plant for the Common Buckeye butterfly.  Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to its blooms.  

 

Season:

Summer

Light:

Sun, part shade

Height:

18 inches

Flower Color:

Lavender, light pink

Hardiness:

USDA Hardiness Zone 5 to 8

Foliage:

The shiny, opposite leaves of the Small beardtongue have attractive, dark veins and clasping, heart-shaped bases. The basal rosette of leaves turns reddish-bronze in the winter.

Flower:

Small beardtongue has numerous, tube-shaped, dark-pink, white-throated flowers that 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.

Zones:

4a - 8b

Habit:

Upright

Site:

Small beardrongue prefers light, well-drained soil. Will do well in sandy and rocky conditions. Acidic soil is preferred. It likes moist soil but doesn't like excessive wetness.

Exposure:

Full sun to partial shade

Tags:

host plant, herb, wildflower, perennial, native

NCCES plant id: 3301