Penstemon digitalis – White Beardtongue (B&B.DR.DRGHT.H.HMR.NB.OP.RR)

Ecosystem Services:
(B)-Birds                                             (B&B)-Birds & Butterflies

(BTF)-Butterflies                             (BW)-Black Walnut Resistant

(DR)-Deer Resistant                      (DRGHT)-Drought Resistant

(EC)-Erosion Control                    (EVR)-Evergreen

(FC)-Fall Color                                 (FRG)-Fragrant

(GRD)-Groundcover                      (H)-Host plant

(HMR)-Hummingbirds                (M)-Mammals

(MTH)-Moths                                   (N)-Nectar

(NB)-Native Bees                            (NST)-Nesting Material

(OP)-Other pollinators                 (RR)-Rabbit Resistant

(SHWY)-Showy                                (SPC)-Specimen Plant

Penstemon digitalis is a clump-forming perennial in the plantain family that can be found in the mountains of NC. It grows up to 5 feet tall in prairies, wood margins, and open woods of eastern and central USA. In late spring to early summer, tall clusters of showy white tubular flowers appear that attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. It has no serious disease or pest problems.

This plant adapts easily to cultivation and prefers well-drained, moist to dry loamy soils and tolerates clay soil if it is well-drained. Plant in full sun to light shade in small groups in the native/pollinator garden, naturalized areas or borders.

Host plant for several moth and butterfly species, including the Chalcedony Midget moth, Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly, and the Common Buckeye. 

Members of the genus Penstemon support the following specialized bee: Osmia (Melanosmia) distincta.