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Prairie Penstemon
Prairie Penstemon botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Prairie Penstemon

Penstemon cobaea
In the United States: Native · also called prairie penstemon, cobaea beardtongue

Honeybees are drawn to Prairie Penstemon for its nectar-rich tubular flowers and accessible pollen, especially valuable in late spring when floral resources begin to dwindle. Peak bloom hits in May through June, supporting foraging during a transitional period. This upright perennial thrives in full sun and dry soils, remaining tidy without staking or deer protection needs in most prairie settings.

Nectarhigh
Pollenmedium
Bloom (US) April–June
Hardiness zones5-8
Duration~30 days
TypePerennial
Sunfull

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