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Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

8CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including KY

Genus host records with ranges including KY · Penstemon

Caloptilia murtfeldtellaPoison Ivy Leafminer
Elaphria chalcedoniaChalcedony Midget
Endothenia hebesanaVerbena Bud Moth
Euphydryas phaetonThe Baltimore, The Black Checker
Junonia coeniaCommon Buckeye
Pyrrhia ciliscaAmerican Bordered Sallow, Noble Sun Moth
Pyrrhia exprimensPurple-Lined Sallow, Purple-Lined Sun Moth
Sparganothis sulfureanaSparganothis Fruitworm Moth, Sulfur Leafroller, False Yellow-Head

—BeesSoutheastern regional records

2Specialist beesPollen specialists

Pollen specialists · Penstemon

2BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim

Recorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim · Penstemon

Growing and identification

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope

Bloom · “May to June” · Prairie Moon 2026 Cultural Guide · Nursery cultural guide; height in flower; moisture categories retained as printed
Flower color · “Purple or white” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Hardiness · “Zones 3a–9b” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Height · “About 18 inches in flower” · Prairie Moon 2026 Cultural Guide · Nursery cultural guide; height in flower; moisture categories retained as printed
Leaves · “Deciduous” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Life cycle · “Perennial” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Light · “Dappled sunlight (shade through upper canopy all day); Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day); Partial shade (direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Soil · “Occasionally dry” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Spread · “12–24 inches” · Native Plant Trust: Penstemon hirsutus

Also known as

Hairy Beard Tongue

In your garden

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