Small's beartongue

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

2-3 ft. tall
1-1.5 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Deer, Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Seeds benefit from cold moist stratification. Clumps can be divided in spring.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide up to 2 ft spacing. Short lived perennial, resow every few years.

Plants/Diseases

No significant disease or pest issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects

Leaves

Leaves opposite, lanceolate with serrate margins; 3-6 inches long.

Flowers

Pink, purple/lavender, and sometimes white tubular flowers on a panicle.

Fruit

Capsule

Bark

Round, smooth stems.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Rock outcrops, cliffs, glades, barrens, and bluffs.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Vulnerable (G3)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Considered imperiled in South Carolina. Rare in the piedmont and mountains.