beardtongue

[beerd-tuhng]

noun

1. any plant belonging to the genus Penstemon, of the figwort family.

Word History and Origins

Origin of beardtongue¹

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25; beard + tongue

Example Sentences

Beginning in early summer, beardtongue produces graceful spires of tubular blooms in a range of colors from pale pink and lavender to intense crimson and electric blue.

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One bee, Osmia distincta, fed on just three species of beardtongue or penstemon, a summer-flowering perennial.

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Bee balm, beardtongue and Scotch broom along the path.

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Scarlet Indian paintbrush and violet penstemon and beardtongue, plus handfuls of pearly everlasting and other white and yellow flowers, have joined them over the years.

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Fish and Wildlife Service cited a conservation agreement it forged with Utah officials in ruling that Graham’s and White River beardtongue don’t merit federal protection.

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