Lamiaceae
obedient plant
Physostegia virginiana
Synonyms
Physostegia praemorsa
Other Common Names
false dragon head
Plant Type
Herbaceous Wildflower
Life Cycle
Perennial
Typical Size
3-4 ft. tall
2-3 ft. wide
Tolerant of
Deer
Inolerant of
Dry Soil
Propagation
By seed, By division
Plant Propagation Notes
Seed requires cold moist stratification for 90 days.
Plant Planting Notes
Allow adequate space for the spreading nature of this plant
Plants/Diseases
Mild susceptibility to aphids, and blackspot fungal disease.
Wildlife Benefits
Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Nectar source for hummingbirds
Leaves
Opposite, lanceolate sharply toothed leaves; 1-3 inches long.
Flowers
Bright pink tubular flowers on spikes
Toxicity
No known toxicity
USDA Hardiness Zones
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Exposure
Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade
Soil Moisture
Medium, Moist
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Native in South Carolina?
Yes
Plant Native Habitat
Woodlands, glades, seepages
Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)
Secure (G5)
Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)
Not Listed
Distribution Notes
Common throughout the coastal, piedmont, sandhill, and mountain regions
Subspecies
Physostegia virginiana ssp. praemorsa (found in South Carolina)
Physostegia virginiana ssp. virginiana (not found in South Carolina)