General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Moist meadows, ditches, marsh edges, wet flatwoods, and disturbed wetland margins
Native States: FL, GA, AL, MS, LA, TX, SC, NC
Growing Zones: 8–11
Size at Maturity: 2–4 feet tall, 1–3 feet wide
Phenology: Winter dormant
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Fast
Growth Habit: Upright, herbaceous, branching
Bloom Season: Summer to fall (typically July to November)
Bloom Color: Lavender to pale purple
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full-Part
Soil Texture: Sand, loam, muck
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Moist to wet
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: No
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Pollinator gardens, wetland restorations, rain gardens, naturalized plantings
Maintenance Tips: Cut back after flowering to encourage compact growth; can reseed freely
Considerations: Can become weedy in ideal conditions; spreads readily by seed
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Yes
Erosion Control: Moderate
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Other Information
Edible: No
Pet Safe: Yes
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Yes
Historical Medicinal Uses: Historically used by Native American tribes for colds, fevers, and skin issues
Florida Native Companion Plant: Golden Canna, Swamp Milkweed, Blue Mistflower, Soft Rush
Wildlife Benefit: Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
Caterpillar Host Plant: No