Location: Rain Garden

Names:

• Common Name: Gulf Coast Penstemon
• Botanical Name: Penstemon tenuis
• AKA: Brazos Penstemon, Gulf Coast Beardtongue, Brazos Penstemon, Brazos Beardtongue, Gulf Penstemon, Gulf Beardtongue, Gulf Coast Penstemon, Gulf Coast Beardtongue, Sharp-sepal Penstemon, Sharp-sepal Beardtongue

Description: Purple blooms adorn the flower spikes of Penstemon tenuis like little bells. This species makes a fabulous cut flower. Native to coastal and riverine environments in southeastern North America from southeastern Texas to Mississippi and north to Arkansas, it grows well in moist perennial beds and borders, where it has the potential to reseed freely. It is good to plant in combination with Yellow columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha), which, though native to streamside environments in southwestern North America, has similar requirements and bloom period.

Best Growing Conditions: Full Sun, Partial Shade; Low to Medium Water Demand; Moist Soil; Prefers Clay, Loam, or Sand

Wildlife Value: Birds (including Hummingbirds), Butterflies (nectar source and larval food source)