Appalachian Beardtongue Penstemon canescens

Eastern Gray Beardtongue is a native, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial in the plantain family (Plantaginaceae) and found in the eastern United States in woodlands, glades, forest edges, rocky woodlands, and roadsides.  It is native to the Appalachian Mountains and the North Central Piedmont of North Carolina. Grows 1 to 3 feet tall with a clumping habit and has erect, delicate stems, basal and cauline leaves. The grayish-green leaves cluster at the base of the plant, and the showy, pale to dark purple, two-lipped, tubular flowers appear on loose racemes at the top of the stems. The genus name Penstemon is derived from two words: the Latin word, paene, meaning "almost or nearly," and the Greek word, stemon, meaning "stamen," referring to the flower's fifth, sterile stamen. The specific epithet, canescens, means "off white or ashy gray." This refers to the gray hairs of the stems. The common name, Gray Beard Tongue, also refers to the species' stem color and pubescence as well as the tufts of hair that are found on the sterile stamens. The common name, beardtongue, also refers to the sterile stamen that is covered in hairs.

This plant is easy to grow in full sun and in average, well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and moderately deer-resistant. It is best to avoid planting where the soil stays wet in the winter to prevent root rot. To prolong the blooming period, deadhead any spent flowers. Provide good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. Trim the plant back to its basal foliage after blooming. Best propagated by division in the fall or early spring. It may be propagated by seed, but it will require cold stratification.

When the inflorescence is absent, identifying the different species can be challenging. The hairy upper stem and leaves may aid in this process. This species is very similar to Penstemon pallidus, but it has a white corolla with purple lines on the interior; whereas P. canescens, has a large, pale to dark purple corolla. The leaves of this species tend to be broader, thinner, and less hairy.

Consider using this native species in borders, groups, rock gardens, and pollinator gardens.

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: No significant insect or disease issues.  Monitor for slugs, snails, and nematodes. In wet and poorly drained soils, root rot can occur. Leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust may also occur. 

More information on Penstemon.