4–7' tall.
If there were a Best in Show competition for native wildflowers, this one would take the cake for character. Whimsical flat-topped terminal flower clusters with feathery lavender-rose disc florets dance above whorls of deep-green toothed and lance-shaped leaves on sturdy unbranched bewhiskered purple-spotted stems.
Blooms mid-July and into August, attracting a plethora of pollinators. Foliage looks good all season, and flowers can be used for dying. Blossoms mature into soft tawny seed clusters that add interest to the winter landscape.
Clump-forming, it naturalizes well; perfect at the back of a border, along the edge of a wood, or in a damp meadow. Readily spreads from seed and underground rhizomes, so plant it thoughtfully if you are working in a small space.
Prefers full sun and rich moist soils. Native to eastern North America. Z4. Maine Grown. (bare-root crowns)