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Alberta Beardtongue

Penstemon albertinus

Alberta Beardtongue is a pretty flower with bright purple blooms. It loves to grow in sunny places and can attract butterflies and bees, making gardens colorful and lively!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Alberta Beardtongue has striking tubular flowers, usually a vivid blue-violet or lavender, with two lips and a fuzzy 'tongue' inside. Its narrow, green leaves grow in clumps, creating a beautiful splash of color in rocky habitats.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyPlantaginaceaeGenusPenstemon
Alberta Beardtongue
bell_shaped_flower trait badgeflowering trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgetube_flower trait badge
Alberta Beardtongue

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Its 'beardtongue' is not a real tongue but a fuzzy, sterile stamen!

Over 250 different kinds of Beardtongues exist in North America!

Some bees buzz-pollinate its flowers, shaking out pollen like salt from a shaker!

This tough beauty is named after the Canadian province of Alberta.

Special abilities

Ability

Pollinator Magnetism

Alberta Beardtongue has tube-shaped flowers and nectar guides that skillfully attract specific long-tongued bees and hummingbirds for pollination.

Ability

Mountain Survivor

This tough plant can grow in harsh, rocky soil and high elevations, using a strong root system to anchor itself firmly.

Ability

Fuzzy Guide

Its unique 'beardtongue' (a sterile stamen) acts like a fuzzy landing strip and guides pollinators deep inside the flower.

Measurements & details

Height
20-50 cm
Spread
15-30 cm
Flower Size
2-4 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to mid-summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't pick flowers, so everyone can enjoy them!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Alberta Beardtongue?

20-50 cm

How wide does Alberta Beardtongue spread?

15-30 cm

How big are the flowers on Alberta Beardtongue?

2-4 cm

When does Alberta Beardtongue bloom?

Late spring to mid-summer

Is Alberta Beardtongue edible?

No

Is Alberta Beardtongue toxic?

None

What is Alberta Beardtongue's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Alberta Beardtongue pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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