Physostegia intermedia, commonly known as Obedient Plant, False Dragonhead, or Eastern Obedient Plant, is a perennial herb native to moist prairies, stream banks, and wet meadows in the Central and Southeast regions of the United States. It exhibits a moderate growth rate, reaching heights of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters) and spreading 1.5-2 feet (0.5-0.6 meters). The plant forms clumps of upright stems with lance-shaped leaves and produces spikes of tubular, pink to lavender flowers from late summer to early fall. These flowers are particularly showy and can be manipulated to face different directions, hence the common name "Obedient Plant."

The Obedient Plant is valued for its long blooming period and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is often used in perennial borders, rain gardens, and as a cut flower due to its stiff, upright habit. While it thrives in full sun to part shade, it prefers moist, rich soils but can tolerate a range of soil conditions, including clay or loam with varying drainage. It is important to note that this plant can be aggressive in garden settings, spreading by rhizomes and potentially outcompeting less vigorous plants. To control its spread, gardeners may choose to plant it in contained areas or use root barriers.CC BY-SA 4.0