SCIENTIFIC NAME: Physostegia virginiana var. arenaria
COMMON NAMES: Prairie Obedient Plant, False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant
BLOOM TIME: Aug, Sep
PLANT PROFILE:
- Member of the mint family.
- Grows 1-5 ft. high & branched near top.
- Leaves are opposite, up to 5 in. long & 1 ½ in. wide, with teeth along margins
- Attractive pink tubular flowers are 1 in. long with 2 lips. Upper lip resembles hood, lower lip is divided into 3 lobes & may be spotted.
- Has a rhizomatic root which can grow rapidly & be aggressive.
- Called “obedient” because the flower stays in position by touching it.
- Habitat: sun & can be found in moist to dry prairies, woodlands & savannahs.
- Found occasional in Illinois.
- This pretty plant can be grown in gardens but must be divided often.
INSECT/ANIMAL INTERACTIONS: