How much sun does Eastern False Dragonhead need?

Eastern False Dragonhead grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Eastern False Dragonhead bloom?

Eastern False Dragonhead blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Eastern False Dragonhead native?

Eastern False Dragonhead (Physostegia purpurea) is native to FL, GA, NC, SC, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Eastern False Dragonhead attract?

Eastern False Dragonhead draws bees and butterflies.

Is Eastern False Dragonhead HOA-friendly?

Eastern False Dragonhead takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Eastern False Dragonhead

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Physostegia purpurea

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Eastern False Dragonhead (Physostegia purpurea) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

FL, GA, NC, SC

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

Eastern false dragonhead produces tall spikes of tubular purple flowers from summer into fall. This native perennial forms neat clumps and tolerates various growing conditions while providing reliable seasonal color.

In an HOA neighborhood

Eastern False Dragonhead takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Spreads aggressively and can look weedy
May appear too wild or uncontrolled for formal landscapes
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds in fall and winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Eastern False Dragonhead need?: Eastern False Dragonhead grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Eastern False Dragonhead bloom?: Eastern False Dragonhead blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Eastern False Dragonhead native?: Eastern False Dragonhead (Physostegia purpurea) is native to FL, GA, NC, SC, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Eastern False Dragonhead attract?: Eastern False Dragonhead draws bees and butterflies.
Is Eastern False Dragonhead HOA-friendly?: Eastern False Dragonhead takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Eastern False Dragonhead? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz