On a sunny day at the end of May 2024, I embarked on one of my cherished walks through Robert H. Treman Park, located in the heart of Ithaca, New York. The park, with its stunning gorges and waterfalls, never ceases to amaze me with its natural beauty and diverse plant life. This time, my exploration led me to a delightful discovery along the south-facing walls of Treman Gorge: Penstemon hirsutus, commonly known as the Hairy Beardtongue.
As I navigated the rocky terrain, my attention was caught by a cluster of delicate, tubular flowers emerging from the crevices of the gorge walls. Their soft lavender hues stood out against the rugged backdrop of moss-covered rocks and shale. Upon closer inspection, I noticed the characteristic hairy stems and leaves, confirming that I had indeed found Penstemon hirsutus.
Penstemon hirsutus is a perennial herbaceous plant native to eastern North America. It typically reaches a height of 1 to 3 feet, with erect stems covered in fine hairs. The leaves are lanceolate, arranged oppositely along the stem, and also bear a slight fuzziness. The flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer, are tubular and two-lipped, resembling a small beard—a feature that likely inspired the common name “Beardtongue.” Each flower is about 1 to 1.5 inches long, with a delicate lavender color that fades to white at the throat.
The genus name “Penstemon” is derived from the Greek words “pente,” meaning five, and “stemon,” meaning stamen, referring to the plant’s five stamens—four fertile and one sterile, the latter often appearing as a small, hairy tongue within the flower. The species name “hirsutus” comes from Latin, meaning hairy, a nod to the plant’s hirsute stems and leaves.
The Hairy Beardtongue thrives in well-drained soils and can often be found in rocky, open woodlands, meadows, and along cliffs—exactly the kind of environment provided by Treman Gorge. This plant is well-adapted to the microhabitats created by the gorge’s south-facing walls, where sunlight and moisture create ideal growing conditions. The rock walls not only offer physical support but also help retain heat and moisture, creating a microclimate that supports a variety of plant species.
Historically, Penstemon hirsutus and its relatives have been valued for their ornamental beauty and ecological benefits. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making them an important component of the local ecosystem. Native Americans also recognized the medicinal properties of some Penstemon species, using them to treat ailments such as toothaches, sore throats, and respiratory issues.
In recent times, gardeners and horticulturists have come to appreciate Penstemon hirsutus for its hardiness and low maintenance requirements. It is often used in native plant gardens, rock gardens, and naturalized areas to add a touch of wild beauty. The plant’s ability to thrive in poor soils and its resistance to deer browsing make it a valuable addition to any garden aiming to support local wildlife and biodiversity.
Finding the Hairy Beardtongue in Treman Gorge was a moment of pure joy and wonder. It reminded me of the resilience and adaptability of nature, as this delicate yet sturdy plant has carved out a niche for itself in the rocky walls of the gorge. The sight of its soft lavender blooms swaying gently in the breeze was a testament to the beauty and tenacity of life in even the most rugged environments.
As I continued my hike, I felt a renewed sense of connection to the natural world. The discovery of Penstemon hirsutus was not just a botanical find but a reminder of the intricate and interconnected web of life that thrives in Treman Gorge. Each plant, each flower, has a story to tell—a story of survival, adaptation, and beauty that enriches our understanding of the natural world and our place within it.
Michael Stephen Wills Photography 