Broadbeard beardtongue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Broadbeard beardtongue |
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Penstemon angustifolius is a beautiful flowering plant. It is part of the plantain family. People often call it broadbeard beardtongue or narrowleaf beardtongue. This plant grows naturally in the west-central United States. You can find it in places like the Great Plains.
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What is Penstemon Angustifolius?
This plant is a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years and does not have a woody stem. Its stems are thick and have a waxy feel. They are a gray-green color. These stems can grow quite tall, up to 24 inches (about 60 centimeters).
Flowers and Pollinators
The flowers of Penstemon angustifolius are very pretty. They come in different shades of pink and purple. These colorful flowers are not just nice to look at. They also attract tiny, fast-flying birds. Hummingbirds love to visit these flowers. They help the plant spread its pollen.
Where Does This Plant Grow?
Penstemon angustifolius likes to grow in certain types of places. You can often find it in grasslands. These are open areas covered mostly by grasses. It also likes sandy areas. This includes places like dunes, which are hills of sand.
Surviving Dry Conditions
This plant is very tough. It can handle dry weather very well. This is because it is drought-tolerant. This means it does not need a lot of water to survive. This ability helps it live in dry, sandy environments.
How People Use This Plant
People sometimes use Penstemon angustifolius in their yards. It is a good plant for landscaping. It is also popular in a type of gardening called xeriscaping. Xeriscaping uses plants that need very little water. This helps save water, especially in dry areas.
Traditional Uses by Native Americans
Native American tribes have used this plant for a long time. The Lakota people, for example, found a special use for its flowers. They would use the flowers to make a blue dye. This dye was then used to paint their moccasins. Moccasins are a type of soft shoe traditionally worn by some Native American peoples.
