Hairy Beardtongue – Penstemon hirsutus

Features: A pollinator and hummingbird magnet, this downy-stemmed penstemon features delicate trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of purplish-violet. 

It’s an early bloomer that is a valuable nectar source for foraging Bumblebee Queens, and a host and nectar source for Euphydryas phaeton (Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly).

Light: Sun to shade

Soil: Dry

Height: 18-24 inches

Bloom: June, July

See more information and photos at Michigan State University and Morton Arboretum

Photos: Wikimedia