This upright perennial typically grows up to 3' tall, bearing blue flowers on square, winged stems in summer and fall. The flowers resemble the face of a smiling monkey. The plant is native to eastern North America and is found on stream and pond banks and in wet meadows, swampy areas, ditches, and moist woodlands. It naturalizes by both self-seeding and creeping rhizomes.
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 1-3' tall and about 1 1/2' wide.
 
Prefers full or part sun. Tolerates full sun, but soils must not be allowed to dry out.
 
Prefers rich, moist to wet soils.  Tolerates occasional flooding.
 
Bloom time is June-September.
 
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for 5 Lepidoptera species, including chalcedony midget, common buckeye, and the black checker.
 
Resources:
Missouri Botanical Garden: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287030&isprofile=0&n=1.