Common Names: Hairy Beardtongue
Scientific Name: Penstemon hirsutus
 
Plant Characteristics
• Duration: Perennial
• Size: Typically grows to a height of 1–3 ft., with upright, slender flowering stems.
• Foliage: Narrow, lance-shaped green leaves with a slightly hairy texture.
• Bloom Color: Tubular pale lavender to pink flowers with white throats.
• Bloom Time: Late Spring to Early Summer
 
Growing Conditions
• Water Use: Low to Medium
• Light Requirement: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil Moisture: Dry to Medium, well-drained
 
Ecological Benefits
Hairy Beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus) is a native perennial of the Mid-Atlantic Piedmont, commonly found in dry woodlands, rocky slopes, meadows, and woodland edges. Its tubular flowers provide nectar for native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting pollinators during the late spring and early summer.
 
Its tolerance for dry, well-drained soils makes it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens, rock gardens, meadows, and ecological restoration projects. Its upright growth and attractive blooms also provide seasonal structure and color in native plantings.
 
Local Ecotype: This plant is available as a local ecotype variety. Our team hand-collects seeds from native wildflowers growing in conservation areas we manage, and these plants are grown from that locally collected seed. Local ecotypes are adapted to the conditions of their native region and can help preserve local genetic diversity, support regional wildlife, and strengthen the ecological resilience of native plant communities.

Photo credit: Ernst Seeds