The term “hoary” refers to its hairy, gray-green foliage, which gives the plant a slightly silvery look.
Produces dense spikes of small purple to blue-violet flowers, blooming from the bottom upward.
Seeds are eaten by songbirds, such as sparrows.
Extremely tough and low-maintenance, thriving in poor soils.
Historically used in traditional herbal remedies, but primarily valued for wildlife and beauty today.
The term “hoary” refers to its hairy, gray-green foliage, which gives the plant a slightly silvery look.
Produces dense spikes of small purple to blue-violet flowers, blooming from the bottom upward.
Seeds are eaten by songbirds, such as sparrows.
Extremely tough and low-maintenance, thriving in poor soils.
Historically used in traditional herbal remedies, but primarily valued for wildlife and beauty today.
Bloom: mid- to late summer
Habitats: abandoned fields; areas along railroads; barrens with stunted shrubby vegetation; gravel prairies; limestone glades; overgrazed pastures; the grassy shoulders of highway overpasses; upland prairies
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic to dry
Plant type (height): forb (up to 3.5 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: poor soil containing some clay, gravel, or sand
