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
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

Cluster flowers are inflorescences where individual flowers are arranged closely together on a common stem.

Spring Blooming

Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.

Fragrant Flower

Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.