Showy Beardtongue (Penstemon cobaea)
Penstemon cobaea, commonly known as Showy Beardtongue, is a native perennial wildflower found in dry prairies, rocky glades, and open woodlands in southern and western parts of Illinois. It prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and full sun, making it well-suited for drought-tolerant gardens and naturalized prairie plantings.
This striking plant typically grows 1 to 2.5 feet tall and features thick, leathery, ovate leaves and sturdy, upright stems. In late spring to early summer, it produces large, tubular, bell-shaped flowers ranging in color from pale pink to lavender with white throats. The blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and the “beardtongue” refers to the hairy, sterile stamen that protrudes from the flower’s throat.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Penstemon cobaea is an eye-catching and ecologically valuable addition to dry prairie gardens, rock gardens, and pollinator habitats. It offers early-season color, supports a range of pollinators, and pairs well with other drought-tolerant natives such as Butterfly Weed, Purple Prairie Clover, and Little Bluestem.
Penstemon cobaea, commonly known as Showy Beardtongue, is a native perennial wildflower found in dry prairies, rocky glades, and open woodlands in southern and western parts of Illinois. It prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and full sun, making it well-suited for drought-tolerant gardens and naturalized prairie plantings.
This striking plant typically grows 1 to 2.5 feet tall and features thick, leathery, ovate leaves and sturdy, upright stems. In late spring to early summer, it produces large, tubular, bell-shaped flowers ranging in color from pale pink to lavender with white throats. The blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and the “beardtongue” refers to the hairy, sterile stamen that protrudes from the flower’s throat.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Penstemon cobaea is an eye-catching and ecologically valuable addition to dry prairie gardens, rock gardens, and pollinator habitats. It offers early-season color, supports a range of pollinators, and pairs well with other drought-tolerant natives such as Butterfly Weed, Purple Prairie Clover, and Little Bluestem.
Penstemon cobaea, commonly known as Showy Beardtongue, is a native perennial wildflower found in dry prairies, rocky glades, and open woodlands in southern and western parts of Illinois. It prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and full sun, making it well-suited for drought-tolerant gardens and naturalized prairie plantings.
This striking plant typically grows 1 to 2.5 feet tall and features thick, leathery, ovate leaves and sturdy, upright stems. In late spring to early summer, it produces large, tubular, bell-shaped flowers ranging in color from pale pink to lavender with white throats. The blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and the “beardtongue” refers to the hairy, sterile stamen that protrudes from the flower’s throat.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Penstemon cobaea is an eye-catching and ecologically valuable addition to dry prairie gardens, rock gardens, and pollinator habitats. It offers early-season color, supports a range of pollinators, and pairs well with other drought-tolerant natives such as Butterfly Weed, Purple Prairie Clover, and Little Bluestem.
Bloom: late spring to early summer
Habitats: dry prairies; rocky glades; open woodlands
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: medium-dry; dry
Plant type (height): forb (1 to 2.5 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: rocky; sandy