Bigbract Verbena

(Verbena bracteata)

Bigbract Verbena (Verbena bracteata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Verbena bracteata, commonly known as Bigbract Verbena, is an herbaceous plant that can behave as an annual, perennial, or biennial, depending on the climate. It is native to open woodlands, grasslands, and roadsides in North America, including the United States, Canada and Mexico. This species typically grows to a height of 6-12 inches (15-30 centimeters) with a similar spread. Bigbract Verbena is characterized by its inflorescences, which are dense spikes with long, pointed, leaflike bracts, each up to 8 millimeters long. The small tubular flowers are about half a centimeter wide and range in color from white to pale purple, blooming from late spring to early fall. The flowers are modest in appearance but can add a delicate texture to garden settings.

Bigbract Verbena is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. It is often used in wildflower gardens, as ground cover, and for erosion control. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. While it is not known for significant pest or disease problems, it can self-seed prolifically under favorable conditions. Gardeners should be aware that Verbena bracteata has the potential to become invasive outside its native range due to its aggressive self-seeding.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.3-0.5 feet
  • Width: 0.3-0.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, Purple, Pink
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant

Natural Habitat

native to open woodlands, grasslands, and roadsides in North America, including the United States, Canada and Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Big-Bracted Verbena, Bracted Vervain, Carpet Vervain, Large-Bracted Vervain, Prostrate Vervain, Prostrate Verbena, Creeping Vervain, Big-Bract Vervain, Verveine Prostrée, Spärrverbena

Scientific Names: , Verbena bracteata, Verbena canescens, Verbena repens, Verbena bracteosa, Verbena prostrata, Verbena rudis, Verbena bracteosa var. brevibracteata, Verbena subuligera, Verbena confinis

GBIF Accepted Name: Verbena bracteata Cav. ex Lag. & Rodr.