Embedded Files
Obedient Plant
Left: Physostegia virginiana in the ASMSA Garden in Late Summer 2025.
Left: Physostegia virginiana in the ASMSA Garden in Late Summer 2025.
Above: Physostegia virginiana in bloom in the ASMSA Garden in Late Summer 2025.
Above: Physostegia virginiana in bloom in the ASMSA Garden in Late Summer 2025.
Plant Characteristics
Plant Characteristics
Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:
Obedient plant is best grown in full to partial sun. The soil needs to be well-drained and have some richness.
Growth Habit/Description:
Obedient plant grows 3-5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. Its leaves are narrow-lanceolate and also sharply toothed, 3-6 inches long. Once they are planted, they become aggressive in spreading because of rhizomes and self-seeding.
Bloom Season:
The plant blooms from August to November, showcasing its beautiful white, purple, or pink flowers.
Fall and/or Winter Interest?
Yes. The Obedient plant blooms in the late summer through fall, providing vibrant colors of pink, purple, and while.
Distribution
Distribution
Habitat: Obedient Plant grows in wet ditches, cattails, sedges and tall grasses. This leads to aggressive growing due to its underground rhizomes and its ability to adapt to multiple environments.
Native to Arkansas? Yes
Native to Garland County? Yes
Endemic to Arkansas? No
Ecological Value
Ecological Value
Host Plant for Caterpillars?
Yes. Obedient plant is a host for the Henry's Elfin butterfly.
Other Known Ecological Value?
Yes. Obedient plant hosts pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Pollinator attraction to the plant provides a balanced ecosystem locally.
Other Interesting Facts
Other Interesting Facts
Origin of Name: Physa means bladder and stege means covering. When you touch the plants leaves its leaves curl.
Related Plant Species: Physostegia virginiana ssp praemorsa and Physostegia virginiana ssp are the two subspecies of obedient plant. Subspecies praemorsa grows in wetland and upland areas. Subspecies virginiana has smaller flowers and is found in wetter habitats.
Use For Food/Medicine:
Physostegia virginiana is a herb used to ease stress, support digestion, a diuretic and treats wounds and skin irritations.
References
References
Physostegia virginiana. Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri. [Cited 2025, Sept 7] Available from: Physostegia virginiana - Plant Finder
Marie Ianotti c 2024. The Spruce. How to Grow and Care for Obedient Plant. [Cited 2025, Sept 5]
Available from: How to Grow and Care for Obedient Plant (False Dragonhead)
The Plant Native. Native Plant Profile Obedient Plant. [Cited 2025, Sept 7] Available from: Add Obedient Plant to Your Garden | The Plant Native
Native Plant Trust.New England Wild Flower Society. [Cited 2025, Sept 7] Available from: Obedient plant Physostegia virginiana from New England Wild Flower Society
Cook, Arthur. Why Is It Called the Obedient Plant? Plant4Harvest.com. [Cited 2025, Sept 7] Available from: Why Is It Called the Obedient Plant?
Yatskievych, George. c 2013. Flora of Missouri, Volume 3. Missouri Botanical Garden Press. p. 356. [Cited 2025, Sept 7]
Alan, Weakley. c 2015. Flora of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States [Cited 2025, Sept 7]. Available from: http://www.herbarium.unc.edu/flora.htm. [and previous versions published annually or biennially, under slightly different titles, from 1992-present]
Live to Plant. c 2023. What is Obedient Plant Commonly Used For? [Cited 2025, Sept 7] Available from: What is Obedient Plant Commonly Used For? | Live to Plant
Vita Library. c 2025. Obedient Plant: Health Advantages, Medicinal Properties and Practical Applications. [Cited 2025, Sept 7] Available from: Obedient Plant: Health Advantages, Medicinal Properties, and Practical Applications - VitaLibrary
Grow Native. Native Plants Database: Obedient Plant. [Cited 2025 Sept 7] Available from: Obedient Plant - Grow Native!
Rose, Melody. c 2016. Dave's Garden. Identifying Wildflowers: Physostegia virginiana, Obedient Plant. [Cited 2025 Sept 7] Available from: davesgarden.com/guides/articles/identifying-wildflowers-physostegia-virginiana-obedient-plant
Entry created by Pilar Johnson, September 2025.
Page updated
Report abuse