Hoary Vervain
(Verbena stricta)
Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta)
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Luke
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Luke
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Luke | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Luke | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-08-05T12:36:55-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Verbena stricta, commonly known as Hoary Vervain, is a perennial herb native to prairies, glades, and open woodlands in the central United States. It typically grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet and features erect, branching stems topped with dense spikes of small, tubular flowers. The flowers, predominantly purple or lavender, occasionally bloom in rose pink or white shades and are about ½-inch in size. They are notable for their five petals fused at the base, forming a short tube. The fruit are small nutlets, usually 2–3 mm in length when ripe. Hoary Vervain’s blooming period extends from early summer through late summer until the seeds ripen, providing a long season of visual interest.
Hoary Vervain is highly valued for its drought resistance and its role in supporting wildlife. It is an essential plant in butterfly gardens, as its leaves serve as food for the larval stage of the Common Buckeye butterfly. Additionally, its seeds are a vital food source for many small birds and mammals. This non-aggressive species thrives in full sun and adapts to various soil types with slow to fast drainage, making it a low-maintenance choice for naturalized areas, prairie restorations, and wildflower gardens. While it is drought-tolerant, moderate watering can encourage more robust growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Hoary Vervain is highly valued for its drought resistance and its role in supporting wildlife. It is an essential plant in butterfly gardens, as its leaves serve as food for the larval stage of the Common Buckeye butterfly. Additionally, its seeds are a vital food source for many small birds and mammals. This non-aggressive species thrives in full sun and adapts to various soil types with slow to fast drainage, making it a low-maintenance choice for naturalized areas, prairie restorations, and wildflower gardens. While it is drought-tolerant, moderate watering can encourage more robust growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Width: 1.5-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to prairies, glades, and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Hoary Vervain, Mullein-Leaved Vervain, Tall Vervain, Woolly Vervain, Verveine Veloutée, Luddverbena
Scientific Names: , Verbena stricta, Verbena cuneifolia, Verbena stricta f. roseiflora, Verbena alopecurus, Verbena mollis, Verbena rigens, Verbena scoparia, Verbena stricta f. albiflora, Verbena stricta f. stricta,
GBIF Accepted Name: Verbena stricta Vent.