Overview

Scientific name: Physostegia virginiana
Common names: Obedient Plant, False Dragonhead
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Native range: Widespread across eastern and central North America — from the Great Plains to the Atlantic, and from southern Canada to northern Mexico.
Habit: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 2–4 feet tall, spreads aggressively via rhizomes
Flowering period: Late summer to early fall (July–September)
Flower color: Pink to purplish-pink (occasionally white)

Ecological Value

Bees: Strongly attracts long-tongued bees (e.g., Bombus spp., honeybees, large solitary bees).
Butterflies: Nectar source for monarchs (Danaus plexippus), swallowtails (Papilio spp.), sulphurs, and skippers.
Hummingbirds: The tubular flowers are well-adapted for ruby-throated hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris).
Moths: Some sphinx moths also visit for nectar in evening hours.

While not known as a larval host plant, it provides late-season nectar when other native flowers are declining — crucial for migrating monarchs and late-foraging bees.

Birds rarely eat the seeds, but finches and small songbirds may occasionally forage on them in winter.
Dense growth can provide cover for small insects and microhabitats in prairie and wet meadow ecosystems.

Found in moist prairies, streambanks, open wood edges, and wet meadows.
Functions as a nectar bridge between midsummer and fall bloom periods, important in succession plantings.

Light: Full sun to light partial shade (best bloom in sun).
Soil: Prefers moist, moderately rich soils but tolerates clay or sandy loam.
Moisture: Likes consistent moisture; tolerates occasional drought once established.
Aggressiveness: Spreads via rhizomes; can form colonies — good for naturalistic plantings but may need containment in formal gardens.

Collect seeds in late fall (October–November) once seed capsules turn brown and begin to split.
Seeds are small, dark brown, and drop easily when mature.

Cold stratification is required (mimics winter conditions):
- Moist stratify for 30–60 days at 34–40°F (refrigerator method: mix with damp sand/vermiculite in a sealed bag).
- Alternatively, sow outdoors in fall for natural stratification.

Outdoor fall sowing: Scatter on prepared soil in fall; lightly press or cover with ⅛ inch soil.
Indoor spring sowing: After stratification, sow 6–8 weeks before last frost in flats; keep moist until germination (1–3 weeks).
Light requirement: Seeds germinate best with light exposure — avoid heavy covering.

Transplant when seedlings have 2–3 sets of true leaves; space 18–24 inches apart.
Plants establish quickly and may bloom in their second year.

Control spread: Install root barriers or regularly divide clumps every 2–3 years.
Companion plants: Works well with other moisture-loving late-bloomers like Eupatorium perfoliatum (boneset), Helenium autumnale (sneezeweed), and Aster novae-angliae (New England aster).
Deer resistance: Moderately deer-resistant (mint family aromatic foliage).

Extended bloom late in the season, filling a nectar gap.
Supports multiple pollinator guilds — bees, butterflies, hummingbirds.
Thrives in rain gardens and prairie restorations, especially moist lowlands.
Low-maintenance once established and tolerant of various soils.