“Foxglove Beardtongue, Tubular Pollinator Treat”

$968.00

“Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue) matures to 3′ in height and has white to pink flowers. It prefers medium to dry medium soils but can adapt to many light conditions: full sun to part shade, such as clearings within forests, woods’ edges, and savannas. It is very easy to grow from seed.

The tubular flowers of this plant attract long-tongued bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, Miner bees, Mason bees, and hummingbirds.  Penstemons are called ‘Beard Tongues’ because the sterile stamen has a tuft of small hairs.  You may choose to pair Penstemon with some of these other native plants: Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea), Spiderworts (Tradescantia ohiensis), and Prairie Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium campestre).  Other common names include Mississippi Penstemon, Smooth White Beardtongue, Talus Slope Penstemon, and simply, Beardtongue.” (Source: Prairie Moon Nursery)

Pollination Facts:

Smooth beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis or Penstemon laevigatus) is a native perennial whose tubular flowers attract long-tongued pollinators like bumblebees, mason bees, sweat bees, leafcutter bees, and hummingbirds. Its unique flower structure forces insects to brush against pollen-laden anthers, ensuring highly efficient cross-pollination.
  • The Nectar Guides: The inside of the flower features distinct lines or patterns that act as “runway lights,” directing bees to the hidden nectar at the base of the tube.
  • The “Beard”: The flower has five stamens. Four produce dark pollen, while the fifth is sterile and covered in fuzzy hairs, which gives the plant its name. This bearded stamen forces visitors deeper into the blossom to maximize pollen transfer and can even catch stray pollen, passively depositing it onto future visitors.
  • Sequential Unsexed Flowers: The flowers mature their male parts (anthers) first. Once the pollen is released, the female stigma becomes receptive, preventing the flower from pollinating itself and encouraging genetic diversity.
  • Primary Pollinators: Because of the deep, narrow corolla tube, long-tongued bees are the primary pollinators, though butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds also frequently visit for nectar

Who is in this piece?

This piece features a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Sweat Bee (upper center), and Mason Bee (center).

Frame Details: Hard maple float frame
Framed Size: 23x23x2(inches)
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Shipping & Order Processing

All orders will be shipped in 3-10 business days via USPS Priority mail, UPS or FedEx, depending on the size of the item and whether framing was desired. For medium to larger works, and if crating is needed to safely ship, it will be UPS or FedEX. USPS can ship larger works but it is a lot more expensive!

If I anticipate framing will take longer for any reason, I will reach out and let you know! You will receive a tracking number via email once the work has shipped.

If you are in the Fargo-Moorhead area and wish to pick it up, please select STUDIOPICKUP at checkout. I will have a table in the front lobby with your piece labeled for pick-up between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM. I will always try to say hello if I am in the studio!

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