Plant Profile

Slender Beardtongue  - (Penstemon gracilis) is a clump-forming perennial in the Plantaginaceae family (Plantain). The Slender name comes from the leaves, which are toothed and more narrow than the common and widely-distributed Penstemon digitalis. This graceful prairie plant’s native range is primarily throughout the Upper Midwest states and into Canada.

This beardtongue will range in height from 6-20” depending on site conditions. The very pale violet flowers' 5 lobes, 2 on the top that tilt upward and 3 bottom lobes that turn down, create the classic Penstemon tubular flower that is a perfect invitation to bumble and other bees and pollinators. In addition to being very attractive to pollinators they serve as the host plant for several species of Checkerspot butterflies.

 A benefit of this pollinator-friendly plant is that it is drought tolerant. Consider growing this wonderful plant in full sun to light shade in small groups in the native/pollinator garden, naturalized areas or borders.