The tall white spires of beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) lend a graceful air to the late spring pollinator garden, and provide nectar and pollen at a time when spring resources are dwindling. The common name beardtongue refers to the hairy, sterile stamen on the lower half of the tubular flower. This “bearded” stalk forces a pollinating insect closer to the stigma, resulting in more contact– and a heavier deposit of pollen. A closer look at this intriguing flower reveals slender violet lines leading to the sweet payoff. And since bees see colors quite differently than we do, these ‘nectar guides’ seem to glow, guiding pollinators to their destination like runway lights at an airport!
This sun-loving, clump-forming native perennial has no serious disease or pest problems, and will tolerate most soils as long as they are well-drained.
So why not make it easy on yourself (and your pollinator friends)? Plant some Penstemon–and let the show begin!
