Common Vervain

(Verbena officinalis)

Common Vervain (Verbena officinalis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Verbena officinalis, commonly known as common vervain or common verbena, is a perennial herb native to Europe, Asia and Africa as well as Australia, particularly thriving in grasslands, roadsides, and open woodlands. It typically grows up to 70 cm high, with an upright growth habit. The plant features deeply lobed, toothed leaves and slender spikes that hold clusters of small, two-lipped, mauve flowers that bloom from early to late summer. The flowers are modest in size but can add a delicate texture to garden settings.

Common vervain is valued for its traditional use in herbal medicine and is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is known for its hardiness and can be a low-maintenance addition to wildflower gardens, borders, or as a part of a medicinal herb collection. It prefers calcareous (limey) soils and is adaptable to various soil types as long as they provide medium drainage. While it thrives in full sun, it can also tolerate part shade. Gardeners should be aware that common vervain can self-seed prolifically under favorable conditions, which may be considered invasive in some areas. Propagation is typically by root cuttings or seed.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-3 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

native to Europe, Asia and Africa as well as Australia, particularly thriving in grasslands, roadsides, and open woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: Common Verbena, European Vervain, Herb Of The Cross, Simpler’s-Joy, Læge-Jernurt, Echtes Eisenkraut, Eisenkraut, Gewöhnliches Eisenkraut, Rohtoverbena, Verveine Officinale

Scientific Names: , Verbena officinalis, Verbena officinalis subsp. officinalis, Vitex ×adulterina,

GBIF Accepted Name: Verbena officinalis L.