Foxglove Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis
Also listed as Chelone digitalis, Penstemon alluviorum
Also known as Tall White Beardtongue
Climate Match for your location
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A native perennial with tall spikes of white or pale pink tubular flowers attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators. It thrives in dry to moderate conditions and is an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens and native plantings.
Why grow it
Penstemon digitalis offers a native alternative to hybrid penstemons, with reliable performance across a wider range of soil conditions and less need for supplemental water once established. Its tall flower spikes and extended bloom period provide sustained pollinator interest through mid to late summer, filling a seasonal niche that many garden penstemons do not. The species tends to self-seed moderately, which can be useful for naturalized plantings or low-input gardens.
Watch out for
Plants may become leggy or decline in overly rich, amended soils or in consistently moist conditions, particularly in humid climates. Crowding and poor air circulation increase susceptibility to fungal issues, so spacing and site selection matter more than typical supplemental pest management.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native perennial with tall spikes of white or pale pink tubular flowers attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators. It thrives in dry to moderate conditions and is an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens and native plantings.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Foxglove Beardtongue grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Penstemon digitalis offers a native alternative to hybrid penstemons, with reliable performance across a wider range of soil conditions and less need for supplemental water once established. Its tall flower spikes and extended bloom period provide sustained pollinator interest through mid to late summer, filling a seasonal niche that many garden penstemons do not. The species tends to self-seed moderately, which can be useful for naturalized plantings or low-input gardens.
Watch out for
Plants may become leggy or decline in overly rich, amended soils or in consistently moist conditions, particularly in humid climates. Crowding and poor air circulation increase susceptibility to fungal issues, so spacing and site selection matter more than typical supplemental pest management.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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