UK Flowers: Herbs, Shrubs, Vines & Trees
UK Flowers

UK Obedient PlantAlso known as: American Dragonhead

Herb Icon Cultivated Flower    
Image of Obedient Plant
Physostegia virginiana
Family: Lamiaceae

Flower Properties

Property Value
English Name Obedient Plant
Also Known As American Dragonhead
Scientific Name Physostegia virginiana
MainColor Purple
PlantType Herb Icon Herb
Distribution Cultivated Flower Cultivated
Season Found August (Jul - Oct)
ImageUrl Physostegia-001
Photographer DP
Location Found Savill Gardens
Country Found UK
Last Updated 15 September 2026
Photo Quality B

Flower Details

Description

Physostegia virginiana is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its spike-like clusters of tubular flowers, which can range in colour from pink to white. It is called the "obedient plant" because its flowers can be bent into position and will temporarily stay in place. The plant typically grows to a height of 60–120 cm and blooms from late summer to early autumn.

Distribution

This species is native to North America, predominantly found in moist meadows, along stream banks, and in open woodlands from Canada to the southeastern United States.

Medicinal/Other Uses

— No significant medicinal uses.

Edibility

Inedible - there are no known edible uses for this plant.

Human Toxicity
Non_Toxic

Non Toxic - no adverse effects have been reported from handling or ingesting this plant.

Pet Toxicity Pet Toxicity

Non Toxic - safe for pets such as dogs and cats, with no known toxic effects.

Active Compounds

None known.

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