Western Vervain
(Verbena lasiostachys)
Western Vervain (Verbena lasiostachys)
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Steve Addison
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Steve Addison
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Steve Addison | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Steve Addison | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-06-20T09:39:03-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Verbena lasiostachys, commonly known as Western Vervain, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the chaparral and riparian areas of California and Baja California, often found in open woodlands and along streambanks. It typically grows to a height of 20-80 centimeters with hairy, decumbent to erect stems. The leaves are toothed or lobed with short, winged petioles, and the plant’s overall appearance is somewhat sprawling and wild. The inflorescence consists of one to three spikes, with flowers that are more densely packed at the tip and looser below. Each small flower has a hairy calyx of sepals and a corolla that is usually purple, blooming prolifically from late spring to early fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Western Vervain is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used in habitat restoration projects and can be planted in borders or as ground cover. This herb prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil drainage conditions, from slow to fast. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can spread readily by seed, which may be a consideration for gardeners looking to contain its growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Western Vervain is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used in habitat restoration projects and can be planted in borders or as ground cover. This herb prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil drainage conditions, from slow to fast. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can spread readily by seed, which may be a consideration for gardeners looking to contain its growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Native to chaparral, riparian areas, open woodlands, and along streambanks in California and Northwest Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Vervain
Scientific Names: , Verbena lasiostachys, Verbena lasiostachys var. lasiostachys, Verbena lasiostachys var. scabrida, Verbena robusta, Verbena lasiostachys var. septentrionalis, Verbena lasiostachys f. albiflora, Verbena lasiostachys f. scabrida, Verbena lasiostachys f. septentrionalis,
GBIF Accepted Name: Verbena lasiostachys Link