The Snetsinger Butterfly Garden Directory

 Penstemon’s common name “beardtongue” refers to the hairy, sterile stamen on the lower half of the tubular flower. This “bearded” stalk serves the purpose of forcing a pollinating insect closer to the stigma, resulting in more contact and a heavier pollen deposit. A closer look at this intriguing flower reveals distinctive violet lines leading to the floral rewards. Like runway lights at the airport, these intricate nectar guides can help orient pollinators during their flower visits. This sun-loving, clump-forming perennial has no serious disease or pest problems, and will tolerate most soils as long as they are well-drained. 

Penstemon species occur in most parts of North America, and nearly all are excellent pollinator plants, visited by a huge diversity of butterflies, moths, and bees. This prolific nectar producer has a long bloom period, providing nectar and pollen at a time when resources are dwindling at the end of spring.