Dracocephalum ruyschiana aka Northern Dragonhead

Dracocephalum ruyschiana, or northern dragonhead, belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. This herbaceous perennial forms low clumps with upright flower stems. Its native range runs from Europe east to Mongolia. It grows in mountain grasslands from central Europe to Siberia. It is a plant of temperate regions. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The leafy clumps reach about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] tall. Flower stems raise the total height to 1 foot [0.3 metres]. Plants spread to about 1.5 feet [0.46 metres] wide. The stems have a square shape and bear opposite leaves. Each leaf is narrow, with a lance-like shape and smooth edges. The dull green leaves measure roughly 0.17–0.25 feet [0.05–0.08 metres] long. The foliage has a scent as well as the flowers. Its low leaf growth sits beneath the taller summer blooms.

Blue flowers open in July and August, above the leaves. Each bloom reaches about 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] long. The flowers have a strong scent and a hooded shape. Each corolla has two lips with different shapes. The upper lip has two lobes; the lower has three. Short spikes carry groups of two to six flowers. These spikes grow at stem tips and in leaf axils. The flowers provide the main show during mid to late summer. The fruit adds little to the plant's garden display.

Grow northern dragonhead in full sun or part shade. It needs well-drained soil with a moderate supply of moisture. Missouri Botanical Garden rates its water needs as medium. It lists the plant as hardy in USDA zones 3–7. It also describes this species as easy to grow. Plants need little upkeep and can be propagated by division. These traits suit gardeners seeking a small perennial for group planting.

Rock gardens and general garden beds are supported uses. Planting in groups or masses makes use of its summer flowers. Both the scented leaves and blooms add garden interest. Serious insect and disease problems are not reported by Missouri Botanical Garden. Powdery mildew, rust, and blight can still occur. The supplied sources give no evidence about edible parts or toxicity. They do not establish any food or medicinal use.