September 2011

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Native plants provide beauty as well as food and shelter for wildlife. Native species are adapted to the Illinois climate. They require little or no watering and are resistant to drought, insects and most diseases. Because they are perennials, you can welcome their presence year after year. Consider adding a few native plant species to your garden!

false dragonhead (Physostegia virginiana)

Photo © 2011, Adele Hodde, Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Photo rights available for purchase.

False dragonhead is also known as obedience plant. It is found throughout Illinois in moist areas, particularly in wet prairie soils. It flowers from May through September. The flowers are produced in a spike at the top of a stem. Flowers vary in color but usually have a pink or red shade to them. The funnel-shaped flower looks something like a dragon's head, which is how the plant received its common name. The term "obedience plant" has been applied because if a flower is pushed to one side, it will stay there. This plant will grow to a height of one to five feet. As a member of the mint family, it has a square stem. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem.

For more information about native Illinois plants, including where to purchase them and planting guides, the following publications are available through the order form at http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/publications.

Prairie Establishment and Landscaping

Landscaping for Wildlife

Butterfly Gardens