Neese’s Blue Mountain Beardtongue: A Rare Rocky Mountain Gem for Your Native Garden
If you’re looking to add a touch of mountain magic to your garden while supporting local ecosystems, Neese’s Blue Mountain beardtongue might just be the perfect plant for you. This charming native perennial brings both beauty and ecological value to gardens in the American West, though its rarity makes it a special find indeed.
What Makes This Plant Special?
Neese’s Blue Mountain beardtongue (Penstemon scariosus var. cyanomontanus) is a native perennial forb that calls the high country of Colorado and Utah home. As a member of the beloved Penstemon family, it shares the characteristic tubular flowers that make beardtongues so attractive to both gardeners and pollinators alike.
This plant grows as what botanists call a forb – essentially a flowering plant that stays relatively soft and herbaceous rather than developing woody stems like shrubs or trees. It’s perfectly adapted to life in the challenging mountain environments where it naturally occurs.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
You’ll find this beauty growing wild in just two states: Colorado and Utah. Its limited natural range makes it a true regional specialty, perfectly adapted to the specific conditions found in these Rocky Mountain landscapes.
A Word About Rarity
Here’s something important to know: Neese’s Blue Mountain beardtongue has a Global Conservation Status of S4T2, indicating it’s considered uncommon to rare. While this doesn’t mean it’s in immediate danger, it does mean we need to be thoughtful about how we source and grow this plant.
If you’re interested in adding this species to your garden, make sure you’re getting it from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their own stock rather than collecting from wild populations. Never collect seeds or plants from the wild yourself – let’s keep those natural populations thriving!
Why Grow Neese’s Blue Mountain Beardtongue?
There are several compelling reasons to consider this plant for your garden:
- Native plant benefits: As a true native, it’s perfectly adapted to local conditions and supports regional ecosystems
- Low maintenance: Once established, native plants typically require less water and care than non-native alternatives
- Conservation value: Growing rare natives in cultivation helps preserve genetic diversity
- Unique character: This isn’t a plant you’ll see in every garden – it’s a true conversation starter
What About Pollinators and Wildlife?
Like most Penstemon species, this plant likely provides valuable nectar for various pollinators, though specific wildlife benefits for this particular variety aren’t well documented. Beardtongues in general are beloved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, so you can expect some pollinator activity if you’re lucky enough to grow this rare gem.
Growing Conditions and Care
Given its natural habitat in Colorado and Utah’s mountain regions, you can expect Neese’s Blue Mountain beardtongue to prefer:
- Well-draining soil: Mountain plants typically hate soggy conditions
- Full sun to partial shade: Most Penstemons thrive with plenty of light
- Cooler climates: This isn’t a plant for hot, humid regions
- Rocky or sandy soils: Think mountain meadow rather than rich garden loam
Unfortunately, specific growing information for this particular variety is limited, which is often the case with rare plant varieties. Your best bet is to mimic the conditions of its natural habitat as closely as possible.
Should You Plant It?
If you live in Colorado, Utah, or a similar climate, and you can source this plant responsibly from a reputable native plant nursery, it could make a wonderful addition to a native plant garden, rock garden, or naturalistic landscape. Its rarity makes it especially valuable for gardeners interested in plant conservation.
However, if you can’t find responsibly sourced plants, consider other native Penstemon species that are more readily available. There are many beautiful beardtongues native to the American West that can provide similar garden value without the sourcing concerns.
The Bottom Line
Neese’s Blue Mountain beardtongue is a special plant for special gardeners – those who appreciate rare natives and want to contribute to plant conservation through cultivation. While information about this specific variety is limited, its membership in the reliable Penstemon family suggests it would make a worthy addition to the right garden.
Just remember: if you can’t find it through responsible sources, there’s no shame in choosing a more common native beardtongue instead. The most important thing is growing plants that thrive in your specific conditions while supporting local ecosystems – and there are plenty of wonderful native options to choose from!
