Calico Beardtongue (Penstemon calycosus)
Penstemon calycosus, commonly known as Calico Beardtongue, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist woodlands, woodland edges, thickets, and shaded prairies throughout Illinois. It thrives in medium to moist, well-drained soils and prefers partial shade, making it an excellent choice for naturalized woodland gardens and shady pollinator plantings.
This attractive plant typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall and features opposite, lance-shaped leaves with softly toothed margins and stems that are often slightly hairy. In late spring to early summer, it produces spikes of tubular, lavender to pinkish-purple flowers with lighter throats and fine markings—giving the plant its “calico” name. These blooms are especially attractive to bumblebees and other native pollinators.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Penstemon calycosus is a graceful and ecologically valuable addition to shaded or partially shaded landscapes. It provides important early nectar sources, blends beautifully with ferns and spring ephemerals, and pairs well with companions such as Wild Geranium, Woodland Phlox, and Zigzag Goldenrod in diverse, layered woodland plantings.
Penstemon calycosus, commonly known as Calico Beardtongue, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist woodlands, woodland edges, thickets, and shaded prairies throughout Illinois. It thrives in medium to moist, well-drained soils and prefers partial shade, making it an excellent choice for naturalized woodland gardens and shady pollinator plantings.
This attractive plant typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall and features opposite, lance-shaped leaves with softly toothed margins and stems that are often slightly hairy. In late spring to early summer, it produces spikes of tubular, lavender to pinkish-purple flowers with lighter throats and fine markings—giving the plant its “calico” name. These blooms are especially attractive to bumblebees and other native pollinators.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Penstemon calycosus is a graceful and ecologically valuable addition to shaded or partially shaded landscapes. It provides important early nectar sources, blends beautifully with ferns and spring ephemerals, and pairs well with companions such as Wild Geranium, Woodland Phlox, and Zigzag Goldenrod in diverse, layered woodland plantings.
Penstemon calycosus, commonly known as Calico Beardtongue, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist woodlands, woodland edges, thickets, and shaded prairies throughout Illinois. It thrives in medium to moist, well-drained soils and prefers partial shade, making it an excellent choice for naturalized woodland gardens and shady pollinator plantings.
This attractive plant typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall and features opposite, lance-shaped leaves with softly toothed margins and stems that are often slightly hairy. In late spring to early summer, it produces spikes of tubular, lavender to pinkish-purple flowers with lighter throats and fine markings—giving the plant its “calico” name. These blooms are especially attractive to bumblebees and other native pollinators.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Penstemon calycosus is a graceful and ecologically valuable addition to shaded or partially shaded landscapes. It provides important early nectar sources, blends beautifully with ferns and spring ephemerals, and pairs well with companions such as Wild Geranium, Woodland Phlox, and Zigzag Goldenrod in diverse, layered woodland plantings.
Bloom: late spring to early summer
Habitats: black soil prairies; edges of old cemeteries; moist meadows with woodlands; oak savannas; open rocky woodlands; woodland borders
open rocky woodlands, woodland borders, oak savannas, moist meadows within woodlands, pastures, black soil prairies, and edges of old cemeteries
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to mesic
Plant type (height): forb (1 to 3 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: rich loamy soil