Embedded Files
Obedient Plant
Left: Physostegia virginiana 'False Dragonhead' in ASMSA Garden in Fall 2025.
Left: Physostegia virginiana 'False Dragonhead' in ASMSA Garden in Fall 2025.
Above: Mature Physostegia virginiana 'Flase Dragonhead' in full bloom (Image from Amazon).
Above: Mature Physostegia virginiana 'Flase Dragonhead' in full bloom (Image from Amazon).
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 soil 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? No
Native to Garland County? No
Endemic to Arkansas? No
Ecological Value
Ecological Value
Host Plant for Caterpillars?
Yes. Obedient plant is a host for caterpillars. If left unchecked, it can be infested with caterpillars.
Other Known Ecological Value?
Yes. The obedeint plant host pollinators like bees, butterfilies and hummingbirds. Pollinators attraction to the plant provides a balanced ecosystem locally.
Other Interesting Facts
Other Interesting Facts
Origin of Name: When touched its leaves curl.
Related Plant Species: Physostegia virginiana ssp.praemorsa and Physostegia virginiana ssp. virginiana are the two subspecies of obedient plant.
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
Page updated
Report abuse