Vervain

vervain

Verbena hastata (Blue Verbena), Verbena Offinalis (Common Verbena)

Plant Characteristics:

  • Duration: Biennial 
  • Habit: Herb 
  • Size class: 3-6 ft. 
  • Native Habitat: Moist Prairies; damp thickets  
  • Bloom time: June-September

Growing Conditions 

  • Light:
    • Sunny, Partial Shade 
  • Soil
    • Moisture: Moist, wet 
    • Soil Description: moist soils 
    • Acidity not available 

Benefits

  • Wildlife
    • Attracts bees (Special value to native bees), birds, butterflies 
      • Conspicuous flowers 
    • Medicinal
      • Used as a medicinal herb 
        • Internally: Depression, headaches, jaundice, cramps, coughs, fevers, etc
          • Verbena contains chemicals that might reduce inflammation 
        • Externally: Applied to wounds, ulcers, acne 

Drawbacks: 

    • Swamp vervain can interfere with blood pressure medication and hormone therapy 
    • Large doses can cause vomiting and diarrhea 

Additional comments: 

    • Low maintenance 
    • Fragrant