Penstemon hirsutus

Hairy beardtongue is a compact, flowering, herbaceous perennial in the plantain family (Plantaginaceae) native to the dry woods and rocky fields of eastern Canada and the United States, but not to North Carolina and states south to Florida. The plant is characterized by its erect, hairy stems, and usually, several stems can be found growing from the same rhizome. The plant boasts open, stalked clusters of lavender to violet, trumpet-shaped flowers with whitish lips that blossom from May to July. The Beardtongues are a very large, taxonomically complex group and separating the species is often difficult. The hirsutus species is readily distinguished, however, by the downy nature of the stem. The common and scientific names refer to the tufted sterile stamen.

Hairy beardtongue does best in a thin, well-drained, usually dry soil and will tolerate full sun to partial shade. If grown in the garden, you can use mulch to control weeds, and cut the spent flower stems back after blooming. It does self-seed but does not spread aggressively.

This plant is a particularly valuable source of nectar for bumble bees.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems