Calico beardtongue (Penstemon calycosus) is a 2-to 3-foot perennial wildflower with a taproot and strong stems with bright green leaves. This beardtongue bears deep green toothed leaves on strong upright stems. In summer plants are topped by showy clusters of tubular pinkish, lavender, or purple flowers. It does well in partial shade and full sun if moisture is available.

Long tongued bees, butterflies, sphinx moths and hummingbirds feed on nectar from the flowers. Caterpillars of several moth species feed on the foliage. Plants are resistant to deer and other herbivores.