Penstemon hirsutus (Hairy Beardtongue)

A genuinely versatile dry-site native that tolerates everything from full sun to full shade, hairy beardtongue is a confirmed larval host for the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly - its downy stems and early bloom window distinguish it at a glance from every other Penstemon in the catalog.

Species Overview

Penstemon hirsutus, or hairy beardtongue, is a perennial wildflower native to eastern North America, sometimes called Northeastern Beardtongue for its concentrated range. It grows 1 to 2 feet tall on distinctively woolly, sometimes reddish stems, with open clusters of trumpet-shaped, lavender to pale purple flowers blooming from late May to late June.

Application

• Rock gardens, dry meadows, and well-drained borders
• Larval host habitat for the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly
• Deer-pressured sites
• Woodland edge plantings - tolerates full sun to full shade

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Full Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Well-drained soils, medium-wet to dry; tolerates rocky, sandy, or clay soils
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Flood Tolerance: Low - Prefers well-drained soil, consistent with the general genus (Penstemon) pattern; not tolerant of standing water.
• Plant Type: Forb
• Mature Height: 1-2 ft.
• Fall Color: Red
• Bloom Color / Period: Purple; May-June
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Hydrology: Dry-Mesic
• Root Depth: Moderate (12-24 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Habit: Clumping/Mounding
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees, supports butterflies, supports hummingbirds

Planting Guidance

• May struggle if planted under black walnut, though juglone sensitivity has not been formally confirmed; benefits from occasional division every few years to rejuvenate the plant.