Family: Plantaginaceae
Author: Nutt.
Bibliography: Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc., n.s., 5: 181 (1835)
Year: 1835
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Penstemon
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & EC. U.S.A.
Description
The Talus Slope Penstemon, known by its scientific name Penstemon digitalis, is a captivating member of the Plantaginaceae family. Discovered and documented by Nuttall in 1835, this perennial plant has long been admired for its beauty and adaptability to various environments, particularly within the central and eastern regions of the United States.
A remarkable aspect of the Talus Slope Penstemon is its striking appearance during the blooming season. The plant typically ranges from 3 to 5 feet in height, producing elegant, tubular flowers that are predominantly white, often with a subtle blush of pink or lavender. These delicate flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem.
The foliage of Penstemon digitalis adds another layer of visual interest to the plant. It features lance-shaped, semi-evergreen leaves that create a lush backdrop for the bright clusters of flowers. The contrast between the rich green leaves and the pure white blossoms can transform any landscape into a scene of serene beauty.
Adaptability is a key trait of the Talus Slope Penstemon. It thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soils and is particularly suited to rocky or gravelly terrains, often found in slopes and open woodlands. This characteristic resilience makes it an ideal choice for areas prone to erosion, where soil stabilization is desired. Gardeners will appreciate its drought tolerance and minimal maintenance needs, allowing it to flourish with little intervention.
In addition to its ornamental uses, Penstemon digitalis has been recognized for its ecological benefits. By providing a reliable source of nectar and pollen, it plays a crucial role in supporting local pollinator populations. Moreover, its deep root system helps improve soil structure and prevent erosion, contributing to the health and sustainability of natural landscapes.
The historical significance of the Talus Slope Penstemon is also notable. Its first formal documentation by Nuttall in the “Transactions of the American Philosophical Society” in 1835 marks an important moment in botanical history, highlighting the rich biodiversity of North America and the enduring efforts to catalog and understand it.
In summary, the Talus Slope Penstemon (Penstemon digitalis) is a resilient and beautiful plant that offers both aesthetic and ecological benefits. Its adaptability to various environments and minimal maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for gardeners and conservationists alike. Whether adorning a rocky slope or enhancing a pollinator garden, this plant is sure to bring a touch of natural elegance and ecological harmony to any setting.
Common Names
Eng: tall white beardtongue, foxglove beardtongue
En: Talus slope penstemon, Foxglove Beardtongue, Digitalis penstemon, False foxglove, Tall white beardtongue
Fr: Penstémon digitale
Sv: Fingerborgshatt
: Foxglove beardtongue
Synonyms
- Penstemon digitalis var. albidus (Trautv.)
- Penstemon digitalis f. baueri (Steyerm.)
- Penstemon laevigatus subsp. alluviorum ((Pennell) R.W.Benn.)
- Penstemon laevigatus subsp. digitalis ((Nutt.) R.W.Benn.)
- Penstemon laevigatus var. digitalis ((Nutt.) A.Gray)
- Chelone digitalis ((Nutt.) Sweet)
- Penstemon alluviorum (Pennell)
- Penstemon digitalis var. latifolius (Regel)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Connecticut (introduced)
- Delaware (introduced)
- District of Columbia (introduced)
- Maine (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- New Brunswick (introduced)
- New Hampshire (introduced)
- New Jersey (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- Nova Scotia (introduced)
- Ontario (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- Québec (introduced)
- Rhode I. (introduced)
- South Carolina (introduced)
- Vermont (introduced)
- Virginia (introduced)
- West Virginia (introduced)
Additional Images
© 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.
Leaf
Taken Mar 14, 2020 by Diedrich Bruns (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 5, 2020 by m d (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2021 by Mariusz Staniszewski (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 28, 2021 by kevin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 13, 2021 by Paula Longchamps (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 8, 2020 by jonadingdong (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2019 by Darcy Winds (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 7, 2020 by Sara Walker (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2019 by Scott krammes (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 27, 2021 by linda flair (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2021 by molly madden (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2022 by kath Cullen (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 18, 2014 by EOL − Mark Avery (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 16, 2019 by Vicki Brown (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 2, 2015 by EOL − botany08 (cc-by)
Taken Aug 24, 2012 by EOL − Kelly O’Donnell (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 14, 2022 by robinpbt (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jun 8, 2020 by Chaitali Saqcena (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2022 by R Hughes (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2019 by 8whosear8 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 14, 2022 by robinpbt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2021 by Sabine Röder (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8251158)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:808077-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Penstemon digitalis Nutt. ex Sims)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3171358)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 5.5
