Broadbeard Beardtongue: A Rare Western Native Worth Knowing
If you’re on the hunt for truly unique native plants for your western garden, you might have stumbled across Penstemon angustifolius var. vernalensis, commonly known as broadbeard beardtongue. This perennial wildflower represents one of nature’s more elusive treasures, and there’s quite a story behind why you’ll rarely find it at your local nursery.
What Makes This Plant Special?
Broadbeard beardtongue belongs to the beloved Penstemon family, those showstopping wildflowers that paint western landscapes in brilliant colors each spring and summer. As a perennial forb (that’s gardener-speak for a non-woody flowering plant that comes back year after year), this variety has adapted to life in some pretty specific corners of the American West.
Unlike shrubs or trees, this beardtongue stays relatively low to the ground, putting its energy into gorgeous blooms rather than building woody stems. It’s what botanists call an herbaceous perennial – the above-ground parts may die back in winter, but the roots keep the plant alive and ready to emerge again when conditions are right.
Where Does It Call Home?
This particular variety of beardtongue is native to just two states: Colorado and Utah. That’s it – talk about being picky about your zip code! This limited distribution is part of what makes broadbeard beardtongue such a special find.
The Rarity Factor: What Gardeners Need to Know
Here’s where things get interesting (and important). Broadbeard beardtongue carries a Global Conservation Status of S5T3, which indicates this plant has some rarity concerns. While the exact implications of this status aren’t fully defined in available resources, it’s a clear signal that this isn’t your run-of-the-mill garden center plant.
If you’re considering adding this beauty to your garden, here’s the golden rule: only use responsibly sourced material. This means:
- Purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their own stock
- Never collect plants from the wild
- Ask questions about the source of any plants you’re considering
- Consider supporting conservation efforts for rare native plants
Is This Plant Right for Your Garden?
Given the limited information available about this specific variety and its rarity status, broadbeard beardtongue might not be the best choice for most home gardens. The combination of its restricted natural range (Colorado and Utah only) and conservation concerns suggests this plant is highly specialized for particular growing conditions.
If you live outside of Colorado or Utah, this plant is definitely not native to your area, and you might want to explore other Penstemon species that are native to your region instead. Native plant gardening works best when you choose plants that naturally occur in your local ecosystem.
For Colorado and Utah Gardeners
If you’re gardening in the native range of this plant and can source it responsibly, broadbeard beardtongue could be a fascinating addition to a specialized native plant collection. However, without detailed growing information readily available, success might require some detective work and patience.
Consider connecting with local native plant societies, botanical gardens, or university extension services in Colorado or Utah – they might have experience with this particular variety and can offer guidance on cultivation.
The Bottom Line
Broadbeard beardtongue is one of those plants that reminds us why native plant conservation matters. Its limited range and rarity status make it more of a conservation priority than a garden staple. While it’s certainly intriguing for dedicated native plant enthusiasts, most gardeners will find greater success (and do more good for local ecosystems) by choosing well-documented native plants that are readily available and appropriate for their specific region.
Sometimes the most responsible thing we can do as gardeners is to appreciate rare plants in their natural habitats while choosing more common natives for our home landscapes. There are plenty of other gorgeous Penstemon species out there waiting to bring color and pollinator appeal to your garden!
