Blue Vervain

Verbena hastata

Blue Vervain has tall stems with tiny purple flowers that attract butterflies. It loves to grow near water!

Habitat: Wet meadows and stream banks

Appearance

The Blue Vervain is a tall, slender plant with sturdy square stems and lance-shaped, toothed leaves. It has numerous spikes of tiny, violet-blue to purple flowers that bloom from the bottom up, creating a distinctive bottle-brush appearance.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyVerbenaceaeGenusVerbena

Blue Vervain

Interesting facts

Ancient cultures believed Blue Vervain had magical powers of protection!

Indigenous peoples traditionally used Blue Vervain for various herbal remedies.

Its unique square stem is an easy way to identify this plant.

The tiny seeds are a favorite snack for many hungry songbirds!

Special abilities

Blue Vervain can tolerate wet conditions, helping it thrive in damp soils where many other plants struggle to grow.

Blue Vervain has nectar-rich flowers that attract a wide variety of bees and butterflies, ensuring its reproduction.

Blue Vervain's flower spikes bloom progressively from bottom to top, extending its flowering period to attract pollinators longer.

Measurements & details

Height: 100-180 cm
Spread: 30-60 cm
Flower Size: 0.3-0.6 cm
Bloom Season: Summer to Early Fall
Is Edible: Yes
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Drinks nectar from its small flowers

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumble Bee

Bombus impatiens

Feeds on its nectar and pollen

eaten by

American Goldfinch

Carduelis tristis

Feeds on its small, abundant seeds

pollinates

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Papilio glaucus

Nectars on its vibrant blue blooms

Traits

Cluster Flower

Discover how these flowers grow together in beautiful groups, creating a big splash of color that catches your eye. It's like a tiny bouquet, all natural!

Spring Blooming

Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with these cheerful plants that burst into beautiful flowers as spring awakens the world.

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!

Wetland

These fascinating areas are covered by water for at least part of the year, creating a perfect home for unique plants and animals, like marshes and swamps.