Common vervain
ExplorePlants
Common vervain
Verbena officinalis
Common vervain is a pretty plant with small purple flowers. It grows in sunny places and can be found in gardens and fields. People have used it for many years in teas and medicines.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Common vervain has slender, square stems topped with long, narrow spikes of tiny, delicate purple or lilac flowers. Its deeply cut, rough green leaves give it a distinctive, somewhat wispy appearance, unlike many showier garden plants.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyVerbenaceaeGenusVerbena
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient Romans believed vervain could purify homes and repel evil spirits!
Despite its small flowers, one plant can produce thousands of tiny seeds!
Its scientific name, Verbena, means "sacred bough" in Latin!
Some call it "Tears of Isis" or "Holy Herb" for its old mystical uses!
Special abilities
Ability
Drought Master
Common vervain can thrive in dry, poor soils thanks to its deep root system, helping it survive harsh conditions.
Ability
Pollinator Magnet
Common vervain has numerous small flowers that bloom continuously, attracting many busy bees and butterflies.
Ability
Seed Spreader
Common vervain produces thousands of tiny seeds easily carried by wind and water, helping it spread to new places.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-100 cm
- Spread
- 20-50 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.3-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer-early autumn
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Gathers nectar and pollen.
pollinates
Buff-tailed bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
Collects nectar and pollen.
pollinates
Painted Lady butterfly
Vanessa cardui
Feeds on flower nectar.
eats
Vervain Tortrix Moth
Cochylimorpha straminea
Larvae feed on leaves.
Traits
Herbaceous
Herbaceous plants are non-woody plants with soft stems that typically die back to the ground at the end of the growing season.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always ask an adult before touching or picking plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Common vervain?
30-100 cm
How wide does Common vervain spread?
20-50 cm
How big are the flowers on Common vervain?
0.3-0.5 cm
When does Common vervain bloom?
Summer-early autumn
Is Common vervain edible?
Yes
Is Common vervain toxic?
None
What is Common vervain's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Common vervain pollinated?
Insect
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