Penstemon gracilis (Slender Beardtongue)
| Also known as: | Lilac Penstemon, Slender Penstemon |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Penstemon |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae (Plantain) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | native |
| Habitat: | part shade, sun; prairies, open rocky woods |
| Bloom season: | May - July |
| Plant height: | 12 to 18 inches |
| Wetland Indicator Status: | GP: FACU MW: UPL NCNE: UPL |
| MN county distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
| National distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
Pick an image for a larger view. See the glossary for icon descriptions.
Detailed Information
Flower: 
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/purple/slender-beardtongue_0620_100611.jpg)
Flowers are in groups of 2 or more on stalks that arise from the leaf axils in the upper plant, in a spike-like cluster. Each flower is tubular, pale violet to purple on the outside and about ¾ inch long. There are 5 lobes; the upper 2 lobes are shortest and turn up, the lower 3 extend out and turn down. The inside of the tube is white at the center, with darker purple veins on the inside of the lobes, a fuzzy (bearded) orange “flap” down the center, and 5 yellow-tipped stamens that turn dark brown with maturity.
Leaves and stem:
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/purple/slender-beardtongue_0619_171553.jpg)
Leaves are narrow, to 3 inches long and 1/3 inch wide near the base of the plant, becoming progressively smaller as they ascend the stem. Leaves are widest at their base, taper to a pointed tip, have tiny teeth around the edges, and no stalk. Attachment is opposite.
Notes:
All Penstemon species were formerly in the Scrophulariaceae (Figwort) family, but are now in Plantaginaceae (Plantain).
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More photos
Slender Beard-tongue plants
more flowersPhotos by K. Chayka taken at Long Lake Regional Park, Ramsey County, and Glacial Ridge State Park, Pope County.
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2010-05-31 22:08:02
I also have a picture, but it's a little out-of-focus.
on: 2011-06-24 08:33:10
There's a similar penstamon blooming here now, but I think it's penstamon digitalis, not penstamon gracilis, mostly based on the fuller leaves and flower clusters. These plants are beautiful in patches.
on: 2012-02-22 09:48:52
I found two of these plants growing in an old cemetery North of my farm. I have a close up picture if you want it.
on: 2012-06-28 09:01:54
Found several pockets of this in St. Croix state Park. I noticed you didn't have any location for Pine County so I thought I would throw it out there for ya!
on: 2016-06-20 11:33:09
I spent last year removing the buckthorn from the woods in our lot that we had just purchased, and this is one of the rewards that appeared this spring--they're on the edge of an oak-aspen-black cherry woods that continues to the Mississippi River.
on: 2016-06-27 22:55:21
There is a group of these blooming now on the Heartland Trail just east of County 4. Several plants also bloom every year on Headwaters Country Club, visible if you hit your ball badly to the right on #3.
on: 2017-06-24 21:39:59
A number of Beardtongue plants come up each May-June along side the driveway.
on: 2019-06-29 15:53:39
Lots blooming now in Sherburne county.
on: 2020-06-11 20:34:52
I had three of these coming up. I didn’t know what they were and I was afraid I would end up with weeds everywhere. I did keep one just to see what it was. Now I am sad I pulled the others. I seem to get help from birds bringing me seeds. It’s their way of thanking me for all the food I serve them.
on: 2021-06-16 19:42:33
Literally hundreds in bloom this week along the Pembina Trail in Marshall County