woodland wildflower
Small's Penstemon
Penstemon smallii
Also known as Small's Beardtongue
1 of 2Native to Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee
Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee to Alabama
- Light Full sun to part shade Sun tolerance
- Moisture Moist Moisture preference
- Zones n/a Cold to heat range
- Bloom Apr–Jun Flowering time
- Height up to 30 in to 76 cm
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A woodland wildflower for full sun to part shade and evenly moist soil. At up to 30 in, it suits shade gardens and woodland edges.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
Pollinators & wildlife
- Bees Two-spotted Bumble Bee
Butterflies that use this plant
Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.
- Baltimore checkerspotcaterpillar host
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WoodlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and TennesseeUnited States (5): AL, GA, NC, SC, TN. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee to AlabamaThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Full sun to part shadeHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Moisture
- MoistThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
- Soil
- Light, well-drained soil or sandy and rocky OK. Acidic preferredThe soils it grows in naturally.
- Water use
- MediumHow thirsty it is, a rough guide to how often to water.
- Drought tolerance
- LowRelative to plants of the same type and region, inferred from where it grows, not a days-without-water figure.
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 30 in (to 76 cm)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Apr–JunWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- Pink, PurpleThe bloom color, or colors.
- Fruit/Seeds
- CapsuleThe seed or fruit it sets after flowering.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.