Penstemon pallidus aka Pale Beardtongue

Penstemon pallidus, or pale beardtongue, is a herbaceous perennial. This means it lives for years but has no woody stems. It is in the plantain family, Plantaginaceae. Its native range spans the central and eastern United States. It grows from Maine west to Michigan and Minnesota. In the south, its range includes Georgia and Mississippi. It also includes Arkansas and Kansas. It grows in open woods, glades, and sandy prairies. It also grows on bluffs, cliffs, old fields, and railroad edges.

This upright plant grows about 2–2.5 feet [0.61–0.76 metres] tall. In gardens, it spreads about 1.5 feet [0.46 metres]. Leaves form a rosette, a ring at the stem's base. Narrow leaves shaped like a lance clasp part of the stem. These leaves are medium green. They reach 2 inches long and three-quarters of an inch wide. Fine hairs grow on stems, leaves, and flower parts. Some parts have more hair than others.

Flowers bloom in May and June in upright groups. They are creamy white, at times with a faint pink tint. Lavender marks guide visitors to nectar in the blooms. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden. Their pale hue gives the plant its main show of flowers. Removing faded flower groups can help it bloom for longer. Once blooms fade, cut stems back to the leaves at the base. This makes the plant look neater.

Grow pale beardtongue in full sun or part shade. Use average soil that drains well. It grows in dry to somewhat moist ground. Avoid wet sites that do not drain well. Water well in the first year to help roots take hold. Once plants take root, they need extra water chiefly in severe drought. They cope with summer heat, humid air, and dry spells. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 4–8. Chicago Botanic Garden lists a wider range of 2–9. A loose winter mulch may help in cold climates.

Use it in borders, rock gardens, or cottage gardens. Open woodland gardens and low-water plantings suit it, too. Plant it in groups or large masses. Chicago Botanic Garden also lists bedding and groundcover uses. It copes with deer browsing and shallow, rocky ground. It needs little care and has few major pest or disease issues. Wet soil can cause root rot. Leaf spots and rust may occur, too. The supplied sources do not establish whether it is edible or toxic.