tubular dark blue-violet, 5 petals, borne on branching spikes, blooming mid summer to early fall, produce a high nectar content, attracts butterflies and bees.
Leaves
simple, lanceolate, serrated to double serrated, opposite
Stems
grooved, four sides, roughly hair, short rhizomes
Dimensions
3-6 feet in perfect conditions, spreads by thick slowly spreading rhizomes
Propagation
seeds
Author's Notes
This is one of my favorite wild flowers. I have always seen it growing in moist areas. Although the flowers are not over powering, their shape (spike) and color seems to make them stand out.
Notes & Reference
#08- Peterson's Guide to Wild Flowers (Peterson McKenny), #100-Wildflowers of Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest (Merel Black and Emmet Judziewicz), #224-Prairie Nursery web site (www.prairienursery.com)