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 ).