Slender-leaved False Foxglove (Agalinis tenuifolia) — Care, Growing Conditions & Wildlife Value

Growing Conditions

Light Sun – Part Shade

Water Dry – Medium

Soil Any

Size 1-2'

Bloom Pink-Purple, Aug–Oct

Why Grow It

Self-Seeding Returns each year from dropped seeds

Late Bloomer Provides nectar when others have faded

Caterpillar Host Feeds caterpillars of native moths & butterflies

Did You Know?

Each delicate pink flower opens for just one day, yet the plant produces so many blooms that it stays colorful for weeks.

Like its cousin Purple False Foxglove, it is hemiparasitic — partially stealing nutrients from neighboring plants' roots while doing its own photosynthesis.

Slender False Foxglove readily self-sows and can pop up in surprising new locations each year, making it a delightful garden wanderer.

Wildlife Value

🐝

Long-tongued Bees Bumblebees and leaf-cutting bees pollinate blooms

🦋

Common Buckeye Caterpillars feed on leaves and flowers

🐝

Specialist Bee Anthophorula micheneri depends on Agalinis pollen

Good Companions

🌾 Side-oats Grama 🌼 Goldenrod 💜 New England Aster 🌿 Blue Grama

Planting Guide

Scatter seed on bare soil near grasses in fall.
Requires grass host roots; plant among established grasses.
Keep soil moist but well-drained; full sun preferred.

Slender-leaved False Foxglove