Penstemon multiflorus
(Beardtongue)
Common Names, Latin Name, and Family
Its common names are beardtongue and manyflower beardtongue.
Its Latin name is Penstemon multiflorus.
It is found in the Plantaginaceae, or plantain, family.
Form
A native, perennial, wildflower that grows to about three feet in height once it begins to flower.
Leaves
Penstemon has very few upper leaves with the majority of the leaves growing in a rosette at the base of the plant.
Flowers
White flowers appear in the late spring and summer.
Seeds
A perennial wildflower that grows to a height of about two feet.
In shady areas it has a tendency to fall over and grow laterally.
Habitat
Beardtongue is found naturally occurring in sandhills and pine flatwoods.
Native Range
In Florida it is found in almost every county of the state.
It is native to Alabama, Florida and Georgia.
Landscape Use
It grows in part shade with average to dry soils.
Wildlife Use
The white flowers are used by many pollinators especially bumblebees.
The seeds are eaten by small songbirds and mammals.
Propagation
It can be grown from seeds or transplants.
The seeds need 2-3 months of cold stratification.
The plants can be transplanted at most size if the flowers and seeds are removed so the plant can recover from the shock of being uprooted.