Nothochelone nemorosa

Common Names

Woodland Beardtongue, Woodland Penstemon

Summary

Nothochelone nemorosa is a perennial herb in the Plantaginaceae native to western North America from British Columbia to northern California. It forms branched, woody-based clumps with erect stems about 40–80 cm tall; opposite cauline leaves 4–11 cm long with coarsely toothed margins. The inflorescence is a glandular panicle of pinkish-purple two-lipped flowers 25–33 mm long, with a long bearded staminode and a calyx with lance-shaped lobes; fruits are capsules containing widely winged seeds.

In cultivation, it grows in moist, rocky sites in forests and tolerates partly sunny to mostly shady conditions; suitable for woodland or pollinator-friendly gardens and not invasive. Propagation is by seed or summer stem cuttings; seed propagation may require cold–moist stratification (60–90 days); hardiness zones include 7a–8b.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-4 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7a-8b

Sunlight Requirements

Full Sun: Yes (6+ hours of direct sun), Partial Sun: Yes (2–6 hours of direct sun; effectively Partial Shade), Partial Shade: Yes (prefers partially shaded, moist environments), Full Shade: Not ideal; plant can tolerate shade but prefers some sun (partial shade).

Soil Type

Rocky, moist, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist and well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-8.0, Neutral pH

Bloom Color

Pink or Purple (lavender)

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds and summer stem cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators