Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn
Physostegia virginiana (L.) Benth.
Fall obedient plant, Obedient plant, False dragonhead
Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
4 ft. stems which frequently grow in clumps and bear long,
lanceolate leaves and a 4-6 in., terminal spikes of pink to lavender, tubular flowers.
Opposite, pinkish flowers in a spike-like cluster along upper part of a square stem. The perennial’s long-lasting flowers have five triangular lobes, two forming an upper lip and three forming a lower lip.
This attractive plant is snapdragon-like, but its square
stem is typical of the mint family. If the flowers are bent, they tend to stay in the new position for a while, hence the common name Obedient Plant. Several garden forms occasionally
escape to the wild. Flowers can be swivelled into new positions where the stay obediently. (Ontario
Native Plants 2002)
Image Gallery:
12 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Flower:
Fruit: Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , MT , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , UT , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: MB ,
NB ,
ON ,
QC Native Distribution: Que. to MN & e. SD, s. to FL & TX; reported in MT
Native Habitat: River banks; wet thickets; prairies, River banks, swamps, and low grounds in East and North Central Texas. Sand, clay, limestone; poor drainage okay.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, humus-rich soils.
Conditions Comments: Obedient plant receives its name from the characteristic fact that if you manipulate an individual flower back and forth on its axis, it will stay in position you place it. It is wonderfully adaptable, tolerating both drought and poor drainage. Spreads aggressively by stolons, but is easy to pull out and keep in check. Obedient plant is a good
nectar source for butterflies. This
perennial is easy to establish and maintain. It can become aggressive but the shallow roots are easy to pull out.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Hummingbirds
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: High
Last Update: 2012-12-09
