Variable-Color Beardtongue: A Rare Colorado Native Worth Protecting
If you’re a native plant enthusiast looking for something truly special and rare, you might have stumbled upon the variable-color beardtongue (Penstemon versicolor). This little-known member of the beloved Penstemon family is one of Colorado’s most exclusive botanical treasures—so exclusive, in fact, that it calls only the Centennial State home.
What Makes This Plant Special?
Variable-color beardtongue is a perennial forb, which simply means it’s an herbaceous plant that comes back year after year without any woody stems above ground. Like other members of the Penstemon family, it likely produces the characteristic tubular flowers that make beardtongues so beloved by gardeners and pollinators alike. The variable-color part of its name hints at flowers that may change hues or display multiple colors—though specific details about this rare beauty remain somewhat mysterious.
Where Does It Grow?
This plant is what botanists call an endemic species—it grows naturally in only one place on Earth. In this case, that place is Colorado, making it a true Coloradan through and through. Its extremely limited geographic range is part of what makes it so special, but also so vulnerable.
A Word of Caution: Rarity Matters
Before you get too excited about adding this plant to your garden, there’s something important you need to know. Variable-color beardtongue has a Global Conservation Status of S3?, which indicates it may be at risk and requires careful monitoring. This means you should only consider growing it if you can source it responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries or seed suppliers—never collect it from the wild.
When a plant is this rare, every individual matters for the species’ survival. Wild collection could harm already vulnerable populations.
Should You Grow Variable-Color Beardtongue?
If you live in Colorado and can find responsibly sourced plants or seeds, variable-color beardtongue could be an incredible addition to your native plant garden. Here’s what to consider:
- You’ll be supporting conservation: Growing rare natives helps preserve genetic diversity
- It’s likely low-maintenance: Most Colorado natives are adapted to challenging conditions
- Pollinator potential: Penstemons are typically excellent for attracting hummingbirds and native bees
- Conversation starter: You’ll have one of the rarest plants in any garden
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing information for this rare species is limited, we can make educated guesses based on its Colorado origins and Penstemon family traits:
- Sunlight: Likely prefers full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Probably needs well-draining soil and can handle rocky or sandy conditions
- Water: As a Colorado native, it’s likely quite drought-tolerant once established
- Hardiness: Should be hardy in USDA zones 4-8, possibly wider
Alternative Options
If you can’t find responsibly sourced variable-color beardtongue, don’t worry! Colorado is home to many other spectacular Penstemon species that are more readily available and equally beautiful. Consider these alternatives:
- Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus) – stunning purple-blue flowers
- Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) – brilliant red blooms loved by hummingbirds
- Palmer’s Penstemon (Penstemon palmeri) – tall with fragrant pink flowers
The Bottom Line
Variable-color beardtongue represents the fascinating world of rare native plants that make our ecosystems unique. While it may not be the easiest plant to find or grow, its rarity makes it all the more precious. If you do decide to grow it, make sure you’re supporting conservation efforts and responsible sourcing practices. And remember—sometimes the best way to appreciate a rare plant is to support habitat conservation efforts that protect it in the wild where it belongs.
Whether you end up growing this botanical unicorn or one of its more common cousins, you’ll be supporting native pollinators and adding a piece of authentic Colorado beauty to your landscape.
