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Beardtongue
Beardtongue botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Beardtongue

Penstemon digitalis

Honeybees visit foxglove beardtongue primarily for its prolific nectar, with some pollen collection, during its late spring to early summer bloom that peaks in June and helps bridge resource gaps after major spring flows. This upright native perennial thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, supporting colony buildup without producing surplus honey in most apiaries. It has no invasive tendencies but may require division every few years to maintain vigor, and it's somewhat deer-resistant though young shoots can be browsed.

Nectarhigh
Pollenmedium
BloomMay–July
Zones3-8
TypePerennial
Sunfull
NativeEastern North America
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