Foxglove Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Penstemon digitalis is a native Maine wildflower that blooms from May through July with white tubular flowers. This adaptable perennial thrives in full sun and attracts bees and hummingbirds to gardens.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Foxglove Beardtongue as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Before you buy
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Penstemon digitalis is a tall, upright perennial that produces spikes of white tubular flowers from May through July. This native wildflower forms clumps of lance-shaped green leaves and can reach up to 4 feet in height when in bloom. It thrives in full sun with moderate water needs and goes dormant in winter.
Growing Foxglove Beardtongue
Grow Foxglove Beardtongue in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Foxglove Beardtongue takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Height of 4+ feet may exceed typical front yard plant standards
- Can look weedy or unkempt when not in bloom
- Wild appearance may not match manicured landscape expectations
Wildlife value
The tubular white flowers are excellent for attracting bees and hummingbirds during the long blooming period. This native plant provides important nectar sources for pollinators throughout late spring and summer.
Common questions
- When does Penstemon digitalis bloom?
- Penstemon digitalis blooms from May through July, producing white tubular flowers that attract pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Penstemon digitalis?
- This native penstemon attracts bees and hummingbirds with its tubular white flowers during the summer blooming period.
- Where is Penstemon digitalis native?
- Penstemon digitalis is native to Maine and grows naturally on talus slopes and rocky areas in the region.
- Is Foxglove Beardtongue toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Foxglove Beardtongue as toxic to livestock.
- Is Foxglove Beardtongue HOA-friendly?
- Foxglove Beardtongue takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Foxglove Beardtongue? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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