Scientific Name: Verbena
Common Name: Vervain, Common verbena, Wild hyssop, Simpler’s joy
Fun Facts
- Vervain is a flowering plant known for its delicate, slender stems and clusters of small, attractive flowers.
- Stems: Slender, erect, branching
- Leaves: Opposite, usually serrated, lance-shaped to ovate
- Flowers: Small, tubular, fivelobed, usually purple or blue, clustered in spikes or corymbs
- Vervain is often mentioned in folklore and mythology as a sacred herb, with supposed magical properties.
Growth Conditions
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Preferred Climate: Prefers temperatures between 6080°F (1527°C)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Watering: Regular watering, keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Propagation: Primarily propagated by stem cuttings. Typically roots within 2-3 weeks; growing plants establish within a few months.
Frost Care
- Frost-sensitive, should be protected or brought indoors in colder climates
Benefits and Uses
- Historically used for its supposed digestive, antipyretic, and astringent properties
- Popular in gardens and for landscaping due to its long blooming period and attractive flowers
Precautions
- Always consult with a healthcare provider before using for medicinal purposes.
- Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals; perform a patch test first.