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Name That Plant!

Living among garden phlox

3 years ago

Can anyone identify this plant that was living among the garden phlox in my yard in Virginia Zone 7? I was pulling out the goldenrod that has intermixed in the garden and pulled out this plant. On first glance I realized it wasn't goldenrod, and on second glance noticed it wasn't quite the same as the phlox. The leaves grow opposite one another like phlox, but these are jagged at the edges. And the stem is square, not round. Any ideas?

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Comments (4)

Jay 6a Chicago
3 years ago
Kind of looks like a Physostegia species maybe?
peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
3 years ago
That was my first thought as well.
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graywings123
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you for your responses. Had to look it up - obedient plant maybe? I have never noticed a plant with a square stem.

I had the roots in water overnight and it has perked up, so I'm going to plant it back outside and see what happens. Thanks again.
peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
3 years ago
Yes, Obedient plant is the common name for Physostegia virginiana. It is named obedient plant because the flowers can be moved on the stem and stay in that position. The species can be a fairly aggressive spreader and most cultivars have that tendency also. Give it plenty of space.

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