Broadbeard Beardtongue: A Rare Utah Native Worth Protecting in Your Garden
Meet the broadbeard beardtongue (Penstemon angustifolius var. dulcis), a charming native wildflower that’s as rare as it is beautiful. This perennial herb represents one of nature’s more exclusive offerings, found only in the state of Utah. If you’re a gardener who loves supporting local ecosystems while adding unique native plants to your landscape, this little-known beardtongue variety might just capture your heart.
What Makes Broadbeard Beardtongue Special
As a native forb herb, broadbeard beardtongue lacks the woody stems of shrubs and trees, instead growing as a soft-stemmed perennial that returns year after year. Like other members of the Penstemon family, it’s perfectly adapted to its native Utah habitat, making it a natural choice for gardeners seeking authentic regional flora.
Where You’ll Find This Rare Beauty
Broadbeard beardtongue calls Utah home—and only Utah. This geographic exclusivity makes it a true treasure for native plant enthusiasts in the Beehive State. Its limited range contributes to its special conservation status.
A Conservation Success Story in Your Garden
Here’s where things get important: broadbeard beardtongue has a Global Conservation Status of S5T2, indicating it’s considered rare and potentially vulnerable. This means that by choosing to grow this native variety, you’re not just beautifying your space—you’re participating in conservation efforts right in your own backyard.
Important note: If you decide to add this rare native to your garden, please ensure you source it responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries or conservation organizations. Never collect plants from wild populations, as this can harm already vulnerable communities of this special variety.
Why Choose Broadbeard Beardtongue for Your Garden
- True Utah native: Perfectly adapted to local conditions and climate
- Perennial reliability: Returns year after year with proper care
- Conservation value: Helps preserve a rare native variety
- Low-maintenance option: Native plants typically require less water and care once established
- Authentic regional character: Adds genuine local flavor to your landscape
Growing Broadbeard Beardtongue Successfully
While specific growing information for this variety is limited due to its rarity, native Utah plants generally thrive in the state’s unique climate conditions. As with most Penstemon varieties, broadbeard beardtongue likely prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate the dry conditions common to Utah’s landscape.
Since this is a rare variety, consider these general tips for success:
- Start with plants from reputable sources rather than attempting to grow from seed
- Plant in spring or fall for best establishment
- Provide well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Water regularly the first year, then reduce as the plant establishes
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
The Bottom Line
Broadbeard beardtongue offers Utah gardeners a unique opportunity to grow something truly special—a rare native variety that exists nowhere else on Earth. While it may not be the easiest plant to find at your local garden center, the conservation value and authentic regional character make it worth seeking out from specialized native plant sources.
By choosing this rare native over more common alternatives, you’re supporting local biodiversity and helping ensure that future generations can enjoy Utah’s unique botanical heritage. Just remember: source responsibly, and you’ll have a beautiful piece of Utah’s natural history growing right in your own garden.
