Obedient plant

The plant resembles a snapdragon but it is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae.) Note its square stem, opposite leaves and spotted three-lobed lip. You can bend and twist the flower head in many positions and it "obediently" stays in place.

Grows to 4 feet tall. Bloom midsummer to early fall, the lowest flowers bloom first, with flowering proceeding upward along the stem. Flower color ranges from white, light pink to purple. Plant in sun to part sun. Soil moderately dry to wet; well drained. Th lower leaves may turn yellow and drop off in times of drought. It has a taproot and spreads through rhizomes. Space 12-18 inches apart.  Blooms Aug - Oct.  Grows 2-5 feet tall. Well drained soil.

Can be found in prairie, savanna and dappled-sunlight woodland settings.

Attracts:

An excellent sourceof nectar for bumblebees, honey bees, bees, butterflies, and Ruby-Throated hummingbirds.

Protection:

Like many plants in the mint family, this plant will not likely be browsed by deer or rabbits.

Suggested Companion Plants:

Collecting the Seeds:

Each flower produces four sharply angled, dull brown seeds. 11,000 seeds per ounce.