Physostegia virginiana, commonly known as Obedient Plant, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist prairies, streambanks, wet meadows, and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils, though it can adapt to average garden conditions.
This upright plant typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and features square stems and lance-shaped, toothed leaves. From late summer into early fall, it produces showy spikes of tubular, snapdragon-like flowers in shades of pink to purple (occasionally white). The flowers are unique in that they can be gently moved and will temporarily stay in place—hence the name "obedient plant." They are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Physostegia virginiana is a colorful, pollinator-friendly choice for rain gardens, native borders, and naturalized plantings. It spreads by rhizomes and can form colonies, so it works best in areas where it has room to expand or in combination with other vigorous natives like Joe-Pye Weed, Blue Flag, and Swamp Milkweed.
Physostegia virginiana, commonly known as Obedient Plant, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist prairies, streambanks, wet meadows, and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils, though it can adapt to average garden conditions.
This upright plant typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and features square stems and lance-shaped, toothed leaves. From late summer into early fall, it produces showy spikes of tubular, snapdragon-like flowers in shades of pink to purple (occasionally white). The flowers are unique in that they can be gently moved and will temporarily stay in place—hence the name "obedient plant." They are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Physostegia virginiana is a colorful, pollinator-friendly choice for rain gardens, native borders, and naturalized plantings. It spreads by rhizomes and can form colonies, so it works best in areas where it has room to expand or in combination with other vigorous natives like Joe-Pye Weed, Blue Flag, and Swamp Milkweed.
Bloom: late summer to early fall
Habitats: limestone glades; moist meadows along rivers and borders of lakes; moist to mesic black soil prairies; openings in woodland areas and along woodland borders; open moist areas near railroads; seeps; thickets
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to average
Plant type (height): forb (up to 4 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: rich loamy soil (can contain some clay or gravel)
