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(Physostegia digitalis)
Obedient Plant (Physostegia digitalis)
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Laura Clark
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Laura Clark
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Laura Clark | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Laura Clark | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2016-06-21T11:10:49-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Physostegia digitalis, commonly known as Obedient Plant or False Dragonhead, is a deciduous perennial herb native to moist meadows, prairies, and stream banks from Texas to Alabama. It typically grows to a height of 2-5 feet (0.6-1.5 meters) and a width of up to 3 feet (0.9 meters). The plant is characterized by its square stems and lance-shaped leaves, with spikes of tubular flowers that can be purple, pink, or white, blooming from late summer to early fall. The flowers are notable for their ability to remain in place when moved, hence the name "Obedient Plant."
The Obedient Plant is valued for its showy flowers and ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is often used in perennial borders, wildflower gardens, and as a cut flower in arrangements. This plant thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils, but can tolerate a range of soil conditions. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can spread aggressively via rhizomes, making it potentially invasive in garden settings. To control its spread, gardeners may choose to plant it in contained areas or use root barriers.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Obedient Plant is valued for its showy flowers and ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is often used in perennial borders, wildflower gardens, and as a cut flower in arrangements. This plant thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils, but can tolerate a range of soil conditions. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can spread aggressively via rhizomes, making it potentially invasive in garden settings. To control its spread, gardeners may choose to plant it in contained areas or use root barriers.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-5 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple, Pink, White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
native to moist meadows, prairies, and stream banks from Texas to Alabama
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Physostegia digitalis,
GBIF Accepted Name: Physostegia digitalis Small