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Full sun loving and moist soil tolerant, this aromatic plant is a relatively unknown but strong performer that brings a boatload of hungry butterflies and birds to the American Beauties garden. Deep green leaves emerge in spring to form a basal clump of foliage with a distinctively sharp sage smell. Stems emerge through the foliage and rise above loaded with buds that open in late May to whorls of 1" long purple flowers that form a colorful spike above the plant well into late June. Butterflies enjoy its nectar while goldfinches find the seed from spent flowers an absolute summer delight. Plant this in full sun and in groups to compound its landscape power and the amount of critters it attracts.
• | Native |
Ponds are critical to the survival of frogs and other amphibians. Unfortunately, development has reduced the number of ponds and pools available for amphibians, so a backyard pond can go a long way to providing this needed habitat
Grows readily in average, medium wet to wet soils in full sun. Tolerates very light shade, but best in full sun. Tolerates heat and humidity. Self-seeds and naturalizes in optimum growing conditions. Leave seed heads for bird use.