This is a tall perennial of moist meadows, river and pond edges, and other low wet ground. Adaptable to drier conditions though. Preference is for full sun. The plant is narrowly upright growing to 6 feet tall with sparse, slender leaves and spikey blue-violet flowers in the summer (June-August). Much loved by bees and butterflies and a food source for wintering birds. Plants are non-spreading though they will seed around and are usually found in fairly large patches. Zone 3-8. VA and commercial ecotypes as available.