How to identify Eastern smooth beardtongue (Penstemon laevigatus)

How to identify Eastern smooth beardtongue (Penstemon laevigatus)

Eastern smooth beardtongue, also known as Smooth beardtongue, Eastern Smooth Penstemon, Hairy Penstemon

Eastern smooth beardtongue is a herbaceous perennial reaching heights of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm). This plant features slightly toothed, opposite leaves, with the underside bearing hairs. The lower foliage extends from long stems while the upper leaves are more shortly stemmed. Distinctively, eastern smooth beardtongue showcases purplish-white, tubular flowers that cluster atop the stems, blooming between May and July. The asymmetrical flowers possess a prominent, hairy lower lip, a characteristic aligned with its common name. The lance-shaped leaves measure 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in length.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen, Deciduous

Quickly Identify Eastern smooth beardtongue

Opposite, toothed leaves with hairy undersides.

Purplish-white tubular flowers in clusters, hairy lower lip.

Lance-shaped leaves measuring 2-4 inches (5-10 cm).

Pale purple to white tubular flowers, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long.

Dry capsules, 0.2 inches (5 mm) long, releasing tiny seeds.

Detailed Traits of Eastern smooth beardtongue

Leaf Features

The leaves of eastern smooth beardtongue are distinctly opposite and feature a slightly toothed margin. These leaves display a moderate size, with the lower ones being long-stalked, typically around 2-4 inches (5-10 cm), while the upper leaves have short petioles. The upper surface of the leaves is smooth, contrasting with the underside, which is covered in fine hairs. The leaves are a vibrant green color, and the veins are clearly visible, contributing to the overall texture.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of eastern smooth beardtongue are pale purple to almost white, displaying a tubular shape that measures approximately 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in length. Each flower comprises five lobes with two upper lobes and three lower lobes arranged in a symmetrical fashion. The blooms, appearing from May to July, are lightly fragrant and form in clusters along the plant's stem. The trumpet-like flowers serve as notable and attractive features, aiding in their identification through their unique coloration and structure.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of eastern smooth beardtongue is a small, dry capsule that splits open when mature, releasing numerous tiny seeds. Each capsule is roughly 0.2 inches (5 mm) in length, with a fine, papery texture. Typically, these capsules take on a pale brown hue as they age, blending seamlessly with the surrounding foliage. This dehiscent fruit is an essential characteristic for the propagation of eastern smooth beardtongue, ensuring the distribution of seeds for continued growth in suitable habitats.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them

Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.