Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is a perennial wildflower that is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. It is native to North America, particularly found in the eastern and southern United States, including Wisconsin.
The flowers are 1 inch long, tubular in shape, and range from white to pale pink. Each flower features a lower lip with three lobes and an upper lip with two lobes. The lower lip has purple stripes that guide bees to the nectar, making it particularly attractive to pollinators. While the flowers bloom from June to July, they typically begin to bloom in their second year. Notably, Penstemon digitalis has no floral scent. Early blooming is essential for providing critical early-season nectar and pollen, and this plant can serve as a lovely cut flower. Additionally, its dried seed pods add interest to floral arrangements.
This species attracts a variety of pollinators, including long-tongued bees, honeybees, bumblebees, miner bees, mason bees, and hummingbirds.
Hollow stalks rise above a basal rosette of dark green leaves. The stem leaves can be up to 5 inches long, are lance-shaped to oblong, finely toothed, shiny green, and grow opposite to each other. The stem itself is smooth, round, and green in color.
Foxglove Beardtongue serves as a host plant for the variable checkerspot butterfly (Chalcedon checkerspot) and Edith’s checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha). It requires full to partial sun and reaches a mature height of 30 to 48 inches, with a spread of about 24 inches. This plant tolerates a variety of soil textures but prefers medium to dry soil. It’s important to keep it well-watered during its first year to prevent wilting.
Companion plants for Foxglove Beardtongue include Golden Alexanders, Spiderwort, and Virginia Dayflower. It is resistant to deer and rabbits. For optimal health, divide the plants every 1 to 3 years in spring when foliage begins to emerge.
Historically, Native Americans used Foxglove Beardtongue to treat chills and fever, and they would chew the root into a pulp to alleviate toothaches.
Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is a perennial wildflower that is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. It is native to North America, particularly found in the eastern and southern United States, including Wisconsin.
The flowers are 1 inch long, tubular in shape, and range from white to pale pink. Each flower features a lower lip with three lobes and an upper lip with two lobes. The lower lip has purple stripes that guide bees to the nectar, making it particularly attractive to pollinators. While the flowers bloom from June to July, they typically begin to bloom in their second year. Notably, Penstemon digitalis has no floral scent. Early blooming is essential for providing critical early-season nectar and pollen, and this plant can serve as a lovely cut flower. Additionally, its dried seed pods add interest to floral arrangements.
This species attracts a variety of pollinators, including long-tongued bees, honeybees, bumblebees, miner bees, mason bees, and hummingbirds.
Hollow stalks rise above a basal rosette of dark green leaves. The stem leaves can be up to 5 inches long, are lance-shaped to oblong, finely toothed, shiny green, and grow opposite to each other. The stem itself is smooth, round, and green in color.
Foxglove Beardtongue serves as a host plant for the variable checkerspot butterfly (Chalcedon checkerspot) and Edith’s checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha). It requires full to partial sun and reaches a mature height of 30 to 48 inches, with a spread of about 24 inches. This plant tolerates a variety of soil textures but prefers medium to dry soil. It’s important to keep it well-watered during its first year to prevent wilting.
Companion plants for Foxglove Beardtongue include Golden Alexanders, Spiderwort, and Virginia Dayflower. It is resistant to deer and rabbits. For optimal health, divide the plants every 1 to 3 years in spring when foliage begins to emerge.
Historically, Native Americans used Foxglove Beardtongue to treat chills and fever, and they would chew the root into a pulp to alleviate toothaches.
