Family: Plantaginaceae
Author: (L.) Willd.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 3: 227 (1800)
Year: 1800
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Penstemon
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Northeastern beardtongue, scientifically known as Penstemon hirsutus, is a revered member of the Plantaginaceae family. This striking perennial is celebrated for its delicate, tubular flowers that add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes, while simultaneously playing a critical role in local ecosystems.
Native to Southeastern Canada, stretching down to North Carolina and across the Eastern United States, Penstemon hirsutus thrives in diverse environments ranging from open fields to forest edges. This plant is particularly noted for its adaptability to various soil types and conditions, making it a resilient choice for both natural and cultivated settings.
The physical characteristics of Northeastern beardtongue are quite distinguishing. It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet and is adorned with lance-shaped leaves that exhibit a slightly hairy texture. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer, producing clusters of tubular flowers that vary in shades from white to light purple, often with a gentle gradient of darker hues at the throat. These flowers are not only visually appealing but also attract a host of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, thereby enhancing biodiversity in the areas they inhabit.
First described in the literature “Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 3: 227” in the year 1800 by (L.) Willd., Penstemon hirsutus has been acknowledged for both its botanical significance and horticultural value. Its ease of growth and minimal maintenance requirements make it an excellent choice for garden enthusiasts looking to add ornamental beauty with ecological benefits.
The robust nature of Northeastern beardtongue allows it to cope with periods of drought once established, though it flourishes best in well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade. It is a hardy species, capable of enduring the cold winters typical of its native range, thus serving as a perennial staple in many gardens and restoration projects.
In summary, Penstemon hirsutus or Northeastern beardtongue is a versatile and attractive plant that enhances the aesthetic and ecological balance of its environment. Its historical roots in botanical literature, coupled with its practical benefits and beautiful blossoms, make it an invaluable addition to both wild and cultivated landscapes.
Common Names
Eng: hairy beardtongue, northeastern beardtongue
Swe: azurpenstemon
Fra: penstémon hirsute
En: Northeastern beardtongue, Hairy beardtongue
Cs: Dračík chlupatý
Fi: Harmaapipo
Fr: Penstémon hirsute
Sv: Azurpenstemon
Synonyms
- Penstemon amplexicaulis (Moench)
- Penstemon pubescens var. latifolia (Aiton)
- Penstemon pubescens var. angustifolius (Aiton)
- Chelone hirsuta (L.)
- Penstemon hirsutus f. albiflorus (Farw.)
- Penstemon pubescens (Aiton)
- Penstemon pubescens pygmaeus (J.R.Duncan & V.C.Davies)
- Penstemon digitalis var. pubescens ((Aiton) Trautv.)
- Chelone pubescens ((Aiton) J.Parm.)
- Bartramia concinna (Salisb.)
- Penstemon mackayanus (Knowles & Westc.)
- Penstemon longifolius (Scheele)
Distribution
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jun 4, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 26, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 28, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2021 by Bri Albright (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 29, 2014 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2015 by EOL − Fluff Berger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3171613)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:808137-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
