ExplorePlants

Eggleaf Beardtongue

Penstemon ellipticus

The Eggleaf Beardtongue is a pretty flower with unique, tubular blooms. It loves to grow in sunny spots and attracts bees and butterflies, making gardens colorful and lively.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Eggleaf Beardtongue is a low-growing plant forming mats of glossy, egg-shaped green leaves. It produces striking tubular flowers, typically violet-blue to purple, clustered at the top of upright stems. A distinctive hairy lower lip inside the flower gives it its unique common name.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyPlantaginaceaeGenusPenstemon
Eggleaf Beardtongue
bell_shaped_flower trait badgeflowering trait badgespring_blooming trait badgetube_flower trait badge
Eggleaf Beardtongue

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Its fuzzy 'beardtongue' acts like a landing strip for buzzing pollinators!

Its leaves are glossy and thick, helping it survive dry, sunny alpine winds!

The beautiful purple blooms attract specialized bees found only in mountains!

This tough plant thrives in rocky mountain cracks, often above the treeline!

Special abilities

Ability

Mountain Grip

Eggleaf Beardtongue can grow on rocky slopes and scree, anchoring itself firmly in harsh, exposed alpine environments.

Ability

Pollinator Beacon

It has a fuzzy 'beardtongue' inside its flowers that guides tiny insects to its nectar, ensuring successful pollination.

Ability

Water Shield

Its thick, waxy leaves help the plant conserve precious water, protecting it from dry mountain winds and intense sun.

Measurements & details

Height
10-30 cm
Spread
15-30 cm
Flower Size
2-3 cm
Bloom Season
Late Spring to Mid-Summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Yellow-faced Bumblebee

Bombus flavifrons

Main pollinator in alpine areas

pollinates

Confusing Bumblebee

Bombus mixtus

Visits flowers for nectar and pollen

eaten by

Hoary Marmot

Marmota caligata

Sometimes browses plant foliage

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch flowers without asking an adult first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Eggleaf Beardtongue?

10-30 cm

How wide does Eggleaf Beardtongue spread?

15-30 cm

How big are the flowers on Eggleaf Beardtongue?

2-3 cm

When does Eggleaf Beardtongue bloom?

Late Spring to Mid-Summer

Is Eggleaf Beardtongue edible?

No

Is Eggleaf Beardtongue toxic?

None

What is Eggleaf Beardtongue's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Eggleaf Beardtongue pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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