Plant Profile: Penstemon smallii

Small's Beardtongue is a perennial herb that showcases its blooms for an impressive duration of up to four weeks, significantly outlasting many other eastern penstemons, and it may even produce additional flowers throughout the season. This plant thrives in naturally shaded areas for part of the day but is also capable of withstanding full sunlight. It is particularly favored in the mountainous regions of the South, where it flourishes in arid conditions as a compact member of the Penstemon family. Although it has a relatively short lifespan of 2 to 3 years, it compensates by reseeding in its vicinity. The plant features purple stems adorned with rounded leaves that can grow up to 6 inches long, while its pink to purple tubular flowers, characterized by purple-striped white throats, emerge in early summer.

In its native habitat, Small's Beardtongue can be found along wooded edges, as well as on exposed or shaded cliffs and banks.

This species was honored as the 1984 Wildflower of the Year in North Carolina, a recognition facilitated by the North Carolina Botanical Garden with support from the Garden Club of North Carolina.

Seasons of Interest:
- Blooms: Summer
- Nut/Fruit/Seed: Late summer

For further details on Penstemon, additional information is available.