Obedient Plant
(Physostegia virginiana)
Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)
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Maja Dumat
CC BY 2.0
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Maja Dumat
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Maja Dumat | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: blumenbiene | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Physostegia virginiana, commonly known as the obedient plant, obedience, or false dragonhead, is a herbaceous perennial in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to moist meadows, stream banks, and floodplains in North America, ranging from eastern Canada to northern Mexico. This species is known for its unique inflorescences; when individual flowers are pushed to one side, they tend to stay in that position, hence the common name "obedient plant." Physostegia virginiana grows in clumps with stiff, squared stems 2–4 ft (0.61–1.22 m) tall and lanceolate, toothed leaves. The long, dense racemes bear many tubular pink flowers resembling snapdragons, blooming from late summer to early fall. The open fruit is vase-shaped, containing four triangular, black seeds.
The obedient plant is valued for its late-season blooms, adding a splash of color when many other perennials have faded. It is often used in borders, wildflower gardens, and as a cut flower due to its showy flowers and ability to hold its position when arranged. While it thrives in full sun, it can tolerate part shade and prefers moist, fertile soils with slow to medium drainage. However, it can be aggressive, spreading via rhizomes, and may require division every few years to maintain control. Staking may be necessary for taller specimens to prevent floppiness. It is generally low-maintenance but can be susceptible to powdery mildew and should be monitored for this disease.CC BY-SA 4.0
The obedient plant is valued for its late-season blooms, adding a splash of color when many other perennials have faded. It is often used in borders, wildflower gardens, and as a cut flower due to its showy flowers and ability to hold its position when arranged. While it thrives in full sun, it can tolerate part shade and prefers moist, fertile soils with slow to medium drainage. However, it can be aggressive, spreading via rhizomes, and may require division every few years to maintain control. Staking may be necessary for taller specimens to prevent floppiness. It is generally low-maintenance but can be susceptible to powdery mildew and should be monitored for this disease.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 3-4 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Moist meadows, stream banks, and floodplains
Other Names
Common Names: Obedience, Obedient-Plant, False Dragonhead, Scharnierbloem, Drakmynta, Falsa-Cabeça-De-Dragão
Scientific Names: , Physostegia virginiana, Dracocephalum virginianum, Physostegia virginiana f. virginiana, Dracocephalum regelii, Physostegia intricata,
GBIF Accepted Name: Physostegia virginiana (L.) Benth.