Foxglove Beardtongue Penstemon digitalis

In June, the native plant garden is graced with the lovely blooms of foxglove beardtongue. White tubular nectar-filled flowers open to 5 petals and contain a hairy beard. This great pollinator plant is visited by short and long-tongued bees and hummingbirds.

Foxglove beardtongue makes a great home garden plant. It tolerates a wide range of conditions from moist to dry, sun to part sun, and keeps a neat appearance throughout the season.

The species digitalis refers merely to the resemblance of the flowers to the foxglove plant, Digitalis purpurea, which is toxic to humans and animals. Foxglove beardtongue does not contain the toxin and is not poisonous.

Foxglove beardtongue brings to mind little foxes that sneak into the garden at night and slide the flowers on their little fox feet and then head for a night out in the woods. Be on the lookout!