Penstemon digitalis - Foxglove Beardtongue

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon)

Basics: zone 3-8, 12-36" x 12-20", full sun to part shade, white or very pale pink bells on a sturdy narrow stalk in early summer, likes it medium to dry and is very adaptable, however, in the most sunny spots will prefer consistent moisture, grows well in clay

Common names: Foxglove Beardtongue, Mississippi Penstemon, Smooth White Beardtongue, Talus Slope Penstemon

Family: Plantaginaceae

Origin/Distribution: central to eastern North America (No longer designated as native to Maine; you will have to ask the Native Plant Trust about that). These plants were grown from seed collected in New England.

Habitat: forest clearings, woodland edges, field, savanna

More: An excellent nectar and pollen source for long-tongued bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, mason bees, bumblebees, and miner bees. Penstemons, including this one, support the Beardtongue Mason Bee, Osmia distincta, a specialist bee that occurs in Maine. P. digitalis is a larval host for the Geranium Plume Moth, Amblyptilia pica, the Verbena Bud Moth, Endothelia habesana, the Purple-lined Sallow, Pyrrhia experimens, and the Confused Haploa, Haploa confusa, among others. All of these occur in Maine. This makes an attractive cut flower and is deer resistant, rabbit resistant, and drought tolerant.

Nursery: Van Berkum Nursery, grown from seed collected in New England

Image credits: Frank Meuschke of Shelterwood Gardens