Pronounced (approximate): PEN-steh-mon gran-dih-FLOR-us
Large lavender tubular flowers line the upper stem. Opposite rounded leaves are smooth and blue-green.
Large-flowered Beardtongue (Penstemon grandiflorus): field photograph. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Plantaginaceae
Life cycle Perennial
Blooms May – July
Height 12 to 40 inches
Habitat sun; dry sandy or rocky soil; prairies, savannas, rock outcrops, Jack pine stands
Common names: Large-flowered Beardtongue · Large Beardtongue · Shell-leaf Penstemon
Bloom timing varies with latitude, weather and local conditions.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
sun; dry sandy or rocky soil; prairies, savannas, rock outcrops, Jack pine stands. Flowering season: May – July.
The large flowers and smooth, clasping leaves distinguish it from Hairy Beardtongue. Also treated as Penstemon bradburyi by Kew.
Large lavender tubular flowers line the upper stem.
Opposite rounded leaves are smooth and blue-green.
Upper leaves clasp the stout upright stem. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
20 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Native to North America.
Reported U.S. distribution
CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, OH, OK, SD, TX, WI, WY
Includes native and introduced state records where listed; a state record does not imply occurrence in every county.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Large-flowered Beardtongue in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.