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Genus: Penstemon Species: barbatus & barbatus- Elfin Common Name: Beard-Tongue Family: Veronicaceae + Plantaginaceae Order: Lamiales Native: Utah to Mexico Habit: Herbaceous Perennial Height: 2 to 4 feet Width: 1 to 2 feet Flowering Season: Late Spring to Summer Flower Color: White, red or pink Propagation: Seed or division Zone: 4-8 Note: This clump-forming plant is suitable for borders, and cut flower or wild gardens. Each of Beard-Tongue flower has four fertile and one sterile stamen. The Greek name Penstemon (five stamens) is in reference to the flower's five stamens. The common name Beard-Tongue is in reference to its plant's hairy, sterile stamen. Monitor plant for slugs, powdery mildew, root rot and leaf spot. Prefers sunny, moderately dry, well-drained, sandy, ordinary garden soil.