Calico Beardtongue is a native wildflower to eastern part of the USA.

Calico Beardtongue has an affinity for rich, loamy soil and moist to semi-moist conditions with partial shade, though it has a tolerance for full sun.

This plant can be found naturally in open rocky woodlands, oak savannas, black soil prairies, and moist meadows. It’s fascinating name comes from the fuzzy tongue found in the center of each bloom, and the genus name, Penstemon, comes from the Latin for “five stamen” which are found on each blossom. It is great for a butterfly garden, as a filler plant as the foliage grows in spring and perfect for cut stems when it blooms pinnacles of pink and lavender snapdragon-like flowers in summer.

Host plant for the Chalcedon Checkerspot and Edith's Checkerspot butterflies and 11 other species of butteflies and moths

Other visitors include Long-tongued bees, honeybees, bumblebees, mason bees, and leaf-cutting bees.