This long-lived perennial is another boost for the late summer through fall garden, prolific when other wildflowers are becoming more scarce. Pale purple-blue flowers with yellow centers are held on top of glossy foliage. Leaves are indeed smooth on top, but rough below. Tough stems allow this plant to stand tall, up to 3 feet. Important food source for migrating and over-wintering pollinators and host plant to the silver checkerspot and pearl crescent. Birds eat the seeds. Designated by Xerces.org as ‘special value to native bees.’ Grows in full sun or partial shade, has broad tolerance of soil types and moisture levels. Drought tolerant once established.