Obedient plant (false dragonhead) Physostegia virginiana
Obedient plant (false dragonhead) (Physostegia virginiana) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family, native to Wet prairies and stream banks of eastern and central North America. It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 50–90 cm (20–35 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
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Obedient plant (false dragonhead) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Wet prairies and stream banks of eastern and central North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Obedient plant (false dragonhead) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Obedient plant (false dragonhead)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Obedient plant (false dragonhead)
- How far apart should I plant Obedient plant (false dragonhead)?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–90 cm (20–35 in).
- Does Obedient plant (false dragonhead) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Obedient plant (false dragonhead) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Obedient plant (false dragonhead)?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Obedient plant (false dragonhead) flower?
- From about August for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Obedient plant (false dragonhead) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Obedient plant (false dragonhead)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Obedient plant (false dragonhead). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Square stems with spikes of pink or white snapdragon-like flowers in four neat rows in late summer; push a flower sideways and it stays put, hence the name. It is anything but obedient in the ground: it spreads fast by runners in moist soil.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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