Identification
This introduced perennial has square, erect stems 2-4 feet tall. Opposite, lance-shaped leaves with pointed tips are angled upward and have margins with prominent, blunt-lobed teeth (B). Many closely spaced whorls of 4-8 deep blue to purple, two lipped flowers are borne at the top of the stem (C).
This European plant which has escaped from gardens, is now naturalized and usually found in pastures, ditches and other disturbed sites. It flowers in June and July. Seeds from a naturalized population a few miles to the north were the source of plants growing in Knull Prairie at Neale Woods as recently as 2003 when the above photos were taken. There have been no recent sightings of this lovely plant.
This perennial, a native of Eurasia, is a favorite of gardeners because of its showy flowers and ease of propagation. Many cultivars and hybrids are available in the nursery trade.
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