Moffatt’s Beardtongue: A Rare Colorado Native Worth Protecting in Your Garden
If you’re a gardener who loves supporting native wildlife while adding unique beauty to your landscape, Moffatt’s beardtongue (Penstemon moffatii paysonii) might catch your attention. This Colorado endemic is a special little perennial that deserves both admiration and careful consideration before planting.
What Makes Moffatt’s Beardtongue Special?
Moffatt’s beardtongue is a native perennial forb that calls Colorado home exclusively. As a member of the beloved Penstemon family, it likely produces the characteristic tubular flowers that make beardtongues such pollinator magnets. However, this isn’t just any garden-variety native plant—it carries a conservation status that makes it quite special indeed.
A Rare Gem with Conservation Concerns
Here’s where things get important: Moffatt’s beardtongue has a Global Conservation Status of S3T1T3, indicating it’s considered rare and potentially vulnerable. This means that while it would make a wonderful addition to a native plant garden, you’ll want to be extra thoughtful about how you source it.
If you’re considering planting this species, only purchase from reputable nurseries that propagate their plants responsibly rather than collecting from wild populations. Never collect seeds or plants from the wild yourself—every wild population is precious for this rare species.
Where You’ll Find This Colorado Native
Moffatt’s beardtongue is found exclusively in Colorado, making it a true endemic species. Its limited range is part of what makes it so special—and so important to protect.
Growing Moffatt’s Beardtongue Successfully
As a native Colorado perennial forb, Moffatt’s beardtongue likely thrives in conditions similar to other high-elevation Penstemons. While specific growing information for this subspecies is limited, here are some general guidelines based on its native habitat:
- Provide well-draining soil—like most Penstemons, it probably dislikes wet feet
- Choose a sunny location with good air circulation
- Consider rocky or gravelly soil conditions that mimic its native environment
- Once established, it should be relatively drought-tolerant
- Avoid overwatering, especially in winter
Why Consider This Rare Beauty?
If you can source Moffatt’s beardtongue responsibly, here’s why it might be worth adding to your native plant collection:
- Conservation value: Growing rare natives in gardens can serve as backup populations and help preserve genetic diversity
- Pollinator support: Penstemons are generally excellent for supporting native bees and other pollinators
- Low maintenance: Once established, native plants typically require less water and care than non-natives
- Unique garden addition: You’ll have something truly special that few other gardeners can claim
Garden Design Ideas
Moffatt’s beardtongue would fit beautifully in:
- Native plant gardens focused on Colorado species
- Rock gardens or alpine-style plantings
- Pollinator gardens supporting native bees
- Conservation-minded landscapes
- Xeriscaping projects highlighting drought-tolerant natives
The Bottom Line
Moffatt’s beardtongue is a rare treasure that deserves our respect and protection. If you’re drawn to this Colorado endemic, approach it with the care it deserves—source it responsibly, provide appropriate growing conditions, and consider yourself a steward of a special piece of Colorado’s natural heritage. Just remember that with rare plants comes responsibility, so always prioritize conservation over collection.
Not sure you can find responsibly sourced Moffatt’s beardtongue? Consider other native Penstemon species that are more readily available and can provide similar benefits to your garden and local wildlife!
