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Glite Dictionary
Physostegia virginiana

Physostegia virginiana

9.9
A North American garden plant with tall spikes of pink or white flowers
  • noun
  • /ˌfaɪsəˈstɛdʒiə vɜrˈdʒɪniənə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Physostegia virginiana
  • Because its stems stay in position when bent, Physostegia virginiana is also called the obedient plant.

Examples

  • The Physostegia virginiana flourishes in moist garden beds and attracts hummingbirds with its colorful blossoms.

  • We planted Physostegia virginiana along the fence for its beautiful summer flowers.

  • The Physostegia virginiana blooms beautifully in late summer.

  • Many gardeners love the Physostegia virginiana for its vibrant colors.

  • Many gardeners appreciate Physostegia virginiana for its ability to hold its shape when bent.

  • The bright pink flowers of Physostegia virginiana attract bees and butterflies in the summer.

  • In our garden, Physostegia virginiana thrives in the sunny spot near the pond.

Synonyms

obedient plant
vsPhysostegia virginiana
  • Specialized
9.3

A garden plant that lives for several years with spikes of pink or white flowers

is the scientific name for the same plant
false dragon head
vsPhysostegia virginiana
  • US
9.3

A North American plant in the mint family with two-lipped pink or white flowers in a spike

is the species name used instead of the common term
false dragonhead
vsPhysostegia virginiana
  • Specialized
9.3

A garden plant from North America with a tall stem of two-lipped pink or white flowers

is the scientific species name rather than a general ornamental name

Surface Forms

Physostegia virginiana singular
Physostegia virginianas plural

Morphology

Physostegia + virginiana

This is a botanical binomial combining a genus name meaning a type of perennial herb with a species epithet indicating a Virginia association; if a learner knows both constituents they can infer it names a specific plant from Virginia. However, the precise common name, appearance and idiomatic use are domain-specific and require knowledge of taxonomic conventions, so the relation is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Physostegia virginiana is often called the 'obedient plant' because if you bend a stem it stays where you put it, as if it 'obeys' your touch. That's why the name helps people remember this plant's habit of holding its stems in place.