Press Release: Spotlight on Foxglove Beardtongue – A Native Gem for Central Ohio Gardens
Columbus, OH – Every month, OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers in Franklin County highlight a native plant that enhances central Ohio’s landscape. This month’s feature is the remarkable Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis), a resilient native plant ideal for local gardens.
Thriving in conditions typical of central Ohio, Foxglove Beardtongue boasts impressive adaptability, tolerating deer, rabbits, drought, and a variety of soil types, including clay. Its stunning late spring to early summer blooms, with 1-inch tubular flowers ranging from white to purple, resemble snapdragons and provide long-lasting beauty as cut flowers. Growing around 30 inches tall, the plant forms clumps with glossy leaves and basal foliage.
Native to a vast region stretching from New England to Louisiana, Foxglove Beardtongue thrives in well-drained soil, and can flourish in full sun to partial shade. This low-maintenance plant also serves a critical role in local ecosystems, offering nectar to butterflies, moths, and bees during a vital transition between spring and summer. Evening blooms attract sphinx moths, while honeybees and bumblebees benefit from its rich nectar.
Moreover, the plant serves as a host for the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly, making it crucial for species sustainability. Its distinctive floral structure ensures effective pollination, guiding bees deep into the flower for nectar, aided by hairs that line the lower petals.
With no significant pest or disease issues, Foxglove Beardtongue is a low-maintenance, beautiful addition to any garden. Its adaptability and ecological importance make it a must-have for Ohio gardeners.
For more information on this and other native plants, visit the OSU Extension website.
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