Ecological Benefits
Butterflies, Sphinx moths, Bees (especially long-tongued bees), Bumblebees, mason bees, honeybees, miner bees; hummingbirds: Larval host for arachne checkerspot, Chalcedon checkerspot, Confused haploa moth
Landscaping Tips
Perennial border, Prairie gardens
Prairie Fairy Notes
Very popular with bees in my garden. Smooth Penstemon also is one of the first plants in the season to bring a deep green to the garden. It’s foliage is very richly colored when many other prairie plants are still dormant in early spring.