Penstemon laevigatus – Eastern Smooth 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

Eastern Smooth Beardtongue is a  native in the Plantaginceae family. It is a herbaceous perennial that may grow 2 to 3 feet tall.

The leaves are opposite with a slightly toothed margin and hairy underside. The lower leaves are long-stemmed while the upper ones have short stems.

It is found in woodlands and fields, preferring rich moist soils and full sun. Its leaves are opposite, stalkless, lance-shaped (2″-4″ long). Its purplish-white blooms appear in open clusters on the upper parts of the stems from May through July.  They are tubular and asymmetrical with a hairy lower lip, hence the common name beardtongue. It is easy to grow, medium water use, low maintenance plant. It makes an excellent choice for a rock, butterfly, or cottage garden.

This plant was selected as the 2002 NC Wildflower of the Year, a program managed by the North Carolina Botanical Garden with some financial support from the Garden Club of North Carolina.

Host plant for the Common Buckeye butterfly (Junonia coenia).