Obedient plant is an upright, clump-forming, mid-west native found along stream banks and moist areas of prairies. It typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall with an equal or farther spread (due to its rhizomatous nature), with tubular flowers that form clusters at the stem tips from June through August and even into September. Flowers are pinkish, orchid, or white, depending on cultivar. Leaves are green, lance-shaped, and toothed. Best suited for mass planting, mixed with large ornamental grasses, or for meadowish landscapes where it may roam freely.
Grow in amended soils that are medium to moist, though well drained, and in full sun (they will tolerate dappled shade but it may reduce the blooming period and volume, and cause it to require staking). Will grow in clay soils. Pinching back the plant at the tips will reduce the height and the likelihood of floppiness without sacrificing blooms. It is rhizomous and spreads; reducing water will slow the spreading, but its best to just plan for the invasion...
Commonly called obedient plants because each individual flower will, upon being pushed in any one direction, temporarily remain in the new position as if it were hinged. Sometimes also commonly called false dragonhead because the flowers are suggestive of those of dragonhead (Dracocephalum).