Dry-mesic to dry upland forests, rocky woodlands, barrens, dry clearings, and roadsides; calcareous or gravelly river bluffs in the Coastal Plain; tolerant of a range of soil and rock types, thriving on both extremely acidic and strongly calcareous substrates. Common in the Virginia mountains; frequent in the inner Piedmont; infrequent in the outer Piedmont; rare in the Coastal Plain
It is a host plant for the Common Buckeye butterfly. Hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators are attracted to the blooms. Members of the genus Penstemon support the following specialized bee: Osmia (Melanosmia) distincta
High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife
My Native Garden
Put together a printable/downloadable list of plants that you have in your garden.