A clump-forming perennial with interesting blue flowers clustered together at the tips of 2-3 ft. tall, leafy stems. Flowers have a unique, 2 lipped and tubular form, appearing in late summer. Most mammals avoid eating this plant since it contains several toxic alkaloids.
Pollinator Type
Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, caterpillars
Plant Type
Herbaceous perennial
Zone
4 to 9
Height
2 to 3 ft.
Spread
1 to 1.5 ft.
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Moisture Requirement
Medium Soil, Wet Soil
Bloom Color
Purple, Blue
Bloom Time
July, August, September
Design Considerations
Great for wet locations, requires medium to wet soil moisture. Mature hieght of the plant may vary with site conditions as drier and sunnier sites stress this moisture-loving plant. May self-seed in optimal conditions.
Care and Maintenance
This plant has little drought tolerance, so consistent soil moisture may be key on drier or sunnier sites.
Pest and Diseases
Snails and slugs may damage foliage.
Establishment and Propagation
Seed or divide mature plants in spring.
Commercial Availability
Commonly available
Alternative Plant Selections
Cardinal Flower, Tall Bellflower
Native Status
Illinois native statewide
Fall Color
Insignificant
Growth habit
Clump forming
Number of Caterpillars that Use this as a Host Plant
