There was an issue validating your request. Please try again later.
EXTREME HEAT WARNING: The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for our area from Wednesday afternoon – Friday evening. Please be advised that Laudholm Beach is a 0.6 mile walk from the parking lot. Please carry water with you and take steps to avoid heat-related illness: drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun, reduce activity.
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!
Maine had a native lupine once, but it may be all but gone now. Our native plant garden is one place to see it. The close relative that beautifies roadsides was introduced from the west.
