Penstemon hirsutus

Description

Penstemon hirsutus, or Hairy Beardtongue, is a 1-2 foot perennial with terminal clusters of violet to pale rose, snapdragon-like flowers appearing in late spring to early summer. The plant’s early bloom time and hairy stems distinguish it from other Beardtongues. Hairy Beardtongue prefers medium to dry, well-drained soils in full to part sun. Hairy Beardtongue is one of the larval host plants of the Chalcedon Checkerspot, the Baltimore Checkerspot and Edith’s Checkerspot. The perennial also attracts native pollinating bees.