Sun to part shade; Moist well-drained soil; Tall clumping perennial from 4-5' with pale blue to purple flowers (sometimes white). Plant is often found in floodplain fields and forests but also in high mountain woodlands. Flowers are heavily visited by bees and butterflies and the plant in the winter provides oily seeds that are favored by goldfinches. Blooms from July to September; Zones 2-8; VA Ecotype // Seed packet, about 50-70 seeds. Germination requirements: 30 days cold moist stratification though often no cold is needed to break dormancy.