False Dragonhead, Physostegia virginiana (L.) Benth., Native Minnesota Wildflower plant, Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, Obedient Plant

(False Dragonhead). A plant of moist areas growing from 1 to 5 feet high on hairless square stems. Rose to pale purple to white 5-part tubular flowers on a 2 to 10" high raceme (spike) above opposite lance shaped leaves that are usually toothed and without stalks. The individual flowers are stalked and rise from the axil of a leaf-like bract. There is usually branching of the stem a the top. Flowers are up to 1.3" long. Fruits are a small nutlet. They will grow in full or partial sun as this Woodland clump indicates. Best with good moisture but will tolerate somewhat dry locations. The common name refers to the ability of the flower to stay temporarily in the position placed. Woodland Garden plants grow on the bog path (Lady's-slipper Lane). The alternate name of False Dragonhead refers to the plants supposed resemblence to a European plant named Dragonhead. The genus name, Physostegia, is Greek meaning "bladder covering" and refers to the shape of the flower.

	Plants of the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
	Common Name	Scientific Name	Plant Family	Garden Location	Prime Season
	Obedient Plant	Physostegia virginiana (L.) Benth.	Mint (Lamiaceae)	Woodland	Late Summer
Other names and notes	(False Dragonhead). A plant of moist areas growing from 1 to 5 feet high on hairless square stems. Rose to pale purple to white 5-part tubular flowers on a 2 to 10" high raceme (spike) above opposite lance shaped leaves that are usually toothed and without stalks. The individual flowers are stalked and rise from the axil of a leaf-like bract. There is usually branching of the stem a the top. Flowers are up to 1.3" long. Fruits are a small nutlet. They will grow in full or partial sun as this Woodland clump indicates. Best with good moisture but will tolerate somewhat dry locations. The common name refers to the ability of the flower to stay temporarily in the position placed. Woodland Garden plants grow on the bog path (Lady's-slipper Lane). The alternate name of False Dragonhead refers to the plants supposed resemblence to a European plant named Dragonhead. The genus name, Physostegia, is Greek meaning "bladder covering" and refers to the shape of the flower.