How much sun does Longsepal beardtongue need?

Longsepal beardtongue grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Longsepal beardtongue bloom?

Longsepal beardtongue blooms in June and July.

Where is Longsepal beardtongue native?

Longsepal beardtongue (Penstemon calycosus) is native to AL, CT, DC, GA and 18 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Longsepal beardtongue attract?

Longsepal beardtongue draws bumble bees and bees.

Longsepal beardtongue

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Penstemon calycosus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Longsepal beardtongue (Penstemon calycosus) is a perennial forb native to AL, CT, DC, GA and 18 more states. It blooms in June and July. The flowers draw bumble bees and bees.

Toxicity unknown

Longsepal beardtongue (Penstemon calycosus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

18"–36" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, CT, DC, GA and 18 more states

Pollinators

bumble bees, bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Piedmont Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills

Upright perennial with smooth lance-shaped leaves and tall spikes of tubular lavender-pink flowers in early summer, growing in open woodlands and meadow edges.

Growing Longsepal beardtongue

Grow Longsepal beardtongue in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Tubular flowers are especially attractive to bumble bees, which are strong enough to trip the flower's hinged anthers.

Common questions

How much sun does Longsepal beardtongue need?: Longsepal beardtongue grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Longsepal beardtongue bloom?: Longsepal beardtongue blooms in June and July.
Where is Longsepal beardtongue native?: Longsepal beardtongue (Penstemon calycosus) is native to AL, CT, DC, GA and 18 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Longsepal beardtongue attract?: Longsepal beardtongue draws bumble bees and bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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