Loose-Flowered Penstemon

Member of Figwort Family
Blooms: March - June

This plant can reach up to 2 1/2 ft. It has beautiful pale pink flowers. It grows in sandy or gravelly soils in pastures and along woodlines .

The word "penstemon" is derived from two Greek words meaning "five" and "stamen" and refers to a unique fifth stamen present in this genus. Most other members of the figwort family bear either two or four stamens, but the penstemons have four stamens and a fifth which usually is broader thant he others and is covered with brightly colored hairs. The hairy stamen gives it another common name of "Beardtongue".

Click on the picture and then click on it again to maximize it's size and see these tiny hairs and such pretty blooms.

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.
It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!"

Psalm 133:1-2