University of Wisconsin-Madison | Botany Plant Growth Facilities

Botanical Garden

Home	Introduction	History	Plants Data	Classification	Garden Arts	Garden Photos	Credits	Become a Friend

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Genus: Penstemon Species: digitalis Common Name: White Beard-Tongue Family: Veronicaceae + Plantaginaceae Order: Lamiales Native: Grassland of eastern North America Habit: Herbaceous Perennial Height: 2 to 4 feet Width: 1.5 to 2 feet Flowering Season: Spring to Summer Flower Color: White, purple or pink Propagation: Seed or division Zone: 3-8 Note: This clump-forming plant is suitable for borders, and cut or wild flower gardens. Each of White 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 hairy sterile stamen. Monitor plant for slugs, powdery mildew, root rot and leaf spot. Prefers sunny, moderately dry, well-drained, sandy, ordinary garden soil.