Verbena simplex

Common Names

Narrowleaf Vervain, American Blue Vervain, Herb of Grace, Herbe Sacree', Herba Veneris, Simpler's Joy, Swamp Verbena, Vervain, Wild Hyssop, Wild Vervain

Summary

Verbena simplex, commonly called Narrow-leaved vervain, is an erect perennial herb with four-angled stems, opposite narrow leaves 3–10 cm long and 3–15 mm wide, and slender terminal spikes bearing small lavender to purple or white flowers, it grows about 10 cm to 0.7 m tall and flowers May–September, native to eastern and central North America, including Ontario and much of the United States, it thrives in open dry habitats such as prairies, glades, roadsides, and disturbed sites, tolerating poor soils and drought, flowers attract bees and butterflies, cultivation emphasizes full sun and dry, well-drained soils, it is suitable for rock gardens, borders, and other sunny, xeric landscapes, and it can spread in open disturbed sites, propagation is by seed, with direct sow outdoors in fall or winter-sowing, seeds can persist in the soil and germination occurs in spring, soil pH tolerance ranges from 5.6 to 7.5, blooming occurs in summer, providing nectar for pollinators, the plant may self-seed

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

0.5-2.5 feet

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5b-8b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial shade to full sun, not tolerant of shade

Soil Type

Well-drained, dry soil, typically sandy or gravelly

Soil Drainage

Dry, well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.1-7.5

Bloom Color

Purple, Lavender, Blue, White

Bloom Time

Spring through Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators