Pest identification
What's eating my front range beardtongue?
Aphids
Signs: Small colonies on flower spikes; honeydew and slight leaf curl on adjacent foliage.
Control: Knock off with water; insecticidal soap as a fallback; encourage beneficial insects.
Slugs & snails
Signs: Irregular holes in low foliage and seedlings; slime trails on soil surface.
Control: Apply iron phosphate bait; remove sheltering debris; hand-pick at dusk.
Deer
Signs: Flower spikes and low foliage browsed, particularly in gardens adjacent to open space.
Control: Apply deer repellent; this small species recovers quickly from light browsing when established.
Keep front range beardtongue pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Front Range Beardtongue pests — FAQ
What is eating my front range beardtongue?
Front Range Beardtongue (Penstemon virens) is a small, low-growing Colorado native that is quite pest-resistant. Aphids may appear on the flower spikes in spring, and slugs can damage seedlings in moister garden spots. Deer occasionally browse the foliage. Grow in well-drained soil with full sun to keep this species essentially problem-free.
How do I get rid of aphids on front range beardtongue?
Small colonies on flower spikes; honeydew and slight leaf curl on adjacent foliage. Knock off with water; insecticidal soap as a fallback; encourage beneficial insects.
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on front range beardtongue?
Irregular holes in low foliage and seedlings; slime trails on soil surface. Apply iron phosphate bait; remove sheltering debris; hand-pick at dusk.
How do I get rid of deer on front range beardtongue?
Flower spikes and low foliage browsed, particularly in gardens adjacent to open space. Apply deer repellent; this small species recovers quickly from light browsing when established.