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Eastern Smooth Beardtongue

Penstemon laevigatus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Eastern Smooth Beardtongue (Penstemon laevigatus)
Photo: Becky Dill https://www.inaturalist.org/people/gillydilly / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 8"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, CT, DE, FL and 15 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Eastern smooth beardtongue is a native perennial wildflower that produces spikes of tubular white or pale pink flowers from May through July. This compact plant forms neat clumps with smooth, lance-shaped leaves and maintains a tidy appearance throughout the growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Eastern Smooth Beardtongue is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

  • Dies back completely in winter

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers are particularly attractive to native bees and butterflies, providing an important nectar source during late spring and early summer.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Eastern Smooth Beardtongue fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.