Smoothleaf Beardtongue
ExplorePlants
Smoothleaf Beardtongue
Penstemon leiophyllus
The Smoothleaf Beardtongue is a beautiful flower with smooth leaves and tall stems. It blooms with lovely purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies, making gardens colorful and lively!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Smoothleaf Beardtongue has upright stems topped with clusters of striking tubular flowers, typically lavender to purplish. Its lance-shaped leaves are smooth and glossy, contrasting with the often-hairy foliage of other Penstemon species. A distinctive fuzzy "beardtongue" sterile stamen peeks from inside each bloom.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyPlantaginaceaeGenusPenstemon
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its scientific name, 'leiophyllus,' actually means 'smooth leaf' in Greek!
Penstemons have one of the highest numbers of species in North America!
Some Penstemon species are shaped perfectly to be pollinated by hummingbirds!
The plant's 'beardtongue' is a fuzzy, sterile stamen, not a real tongue!
Special abilities
Ability
Drought Defender
Smoothleaf Beardtongue can thrive in dry, rocky soils that other plants avoid, helping it survive in harsh places.
Ability
Pollinator Beacon
Smoothleaf Beardtongue has vibrant purple, tubular flowers that attract specific long-tongued bees for pollination.
Ability
Tough Rooter
Smoothleaf Beardtongue can anchor itself strongly in thin, rocky soils, helping it resist erosion and find moisture.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-75 cm
- Spread
- 30-45 cm
- Flower Size
- 2-4 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to early summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Eastern Bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
collects nectar and pollen
pollinates
Neighborly Mining Bee
Andrena vicina
visits flowers for nectar
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
gathers nectar and pollen
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Tube Flower
A tube flower has petals fused together at the base, forming a distinct tubular structure that typically holds nectar deep within.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Smoothleaf Beardtongue?
30-75 cm
How wide does Smoothleaf Beardtongue spread?
30-45 cm
How big are the flowers on Smoothleaf Beardtongue?
2-4 cm
When does Smoothleaf Beardtongue bloom?
Late spring to early summer
Is Smoothleaf Beardtongue edible?
No
Is Smoothleaf Beardtongue toxic?
Mild
What is Smoothleaf Beardtongue's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Smoothleaf Beardtongue pollinated?
Insect
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