Northeastern beardtongue
Penstemon hirsutus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Northeastern beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus) is a perennial forb native to CT, DC, DE, IL and 16 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bumble bees, mason bees, and hummingbirds.
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
12"–30" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CT, DC, DE, IL and 16 more states
Pollinators
bumble bees, mason bees, hummingbirds
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A slender beardtongue with narrow tubular flowers in soft lavender-white held on upright wiry stems above a low basal rosette. It stays compact, tolerates dry rocky soil and light shade, and keeps a tidy silhouette after bloom.
Growing Northeastern beardtongue
Grow Northeastern beardtongue in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 30 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Long tubular flowers are worked heavily by long-tongued bumble bees, and the seed capsules persist into winter for small birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Northeastern beardtongue need?
- Northeastern beardtongue grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Northeastern beardtongue bloom?
- Northeastern beardtongue blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Northeastern beardtongue native?
- Northeastern beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus) is native to CT, DC, DE, IL and 16 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Northeastern beardtongue attract?
- Northeastern beardtongue draws bumble bees, mason bees, and hummingbirds.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Northeastern beardtongue? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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