This late blooming perennial grows to be 3' tall and 3' wide. Growing best in full sun to part shade, in dry to wet soils, preferring an alkaline pH. Its white/lavendar blooms appear September through the first hard frost, supporting pollinators late into the year and supporting many specialized bee species. It is a Keystone species, supporting 100 different caterpillar species and 33 different bee species. 
 
Found in nearly every county in NC. Click to view its range in North Carolina.
 
More info here.