Watkins, Mariann
Verbena hastata L.
Swamp verbena, Blue verbena, Blue vervain, Simpler's joy
Verbenaceae (Verbena Family)
Simpler’s-joy or blue verbena is a 2-5 ft., stout-stemmed
perennial with numerous, pencil-like flower spikes branched upwards like the arms of a candelabra. Each flower
spike has a ring of blue-purple flowers; the flowers at the bottom of the
spike bloom first, and the ring of flowers appears to advance upward to the tips of the spike. Stiff, pencil-like spikes of numerous small, tubular, blue-violet flowers are at the top of a square, grooved
stem and its branches. An attractive
perennial, it has flowers on showy candelabra-like spikes. Bumblebees are among the important pollinators. In ancient times the plant was thought to be a cure-all among medicinal plants and the
genus name is Latin for sacred plant. Hoary Vervain (
V. stricta), to 10 feet (3 m) tall and with flowers 1/2 (1.3 cm) long, is most abundant in the Midwest and occurs sporadically eastward. Narrow-leaved Vervain (
V. simplex), has narrow leaves and lavender flowers 1/3 (8 mm) long; it is a southwestern and midwestern species.
This species is a member of the verbena family (family Verbenaceae), which includes about 75 genera and 3,000 species of herbs, shrubs, and trees, mostly of tropical and warm temperate regions. Among them, teak is a highly prized furniture wood, and Vervain, Lantana, Lippia or Frog
Fruit, and Chase
Tree or Vitex are grown as ornamentals.
Image Gallery:
8 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Biennial Habit: Herb Fruit: Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Blue , Purple
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AL , AZ , AR , CA , CO , CT , DE , GA , ID , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , MT , NE , NV , NH , NJ , NM , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , OR , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , UT , VT , VA , WA , WV , WI , WY , DC
Canada: NB ,
NS ,
ON ,
QC Native Distribution: N.S. to B.C., s. to FL, KS, NM & CA
Native Habitat: Moist prairies; damp thickets
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet , Moist
Soil Description: Moist soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Attracts bees.
Use Medicinal: This plant has been used for many years as a medicinal
herb for treating convalescents and people suffering from depression, headaches, jaundice, cramps, coughs and fevers. Externally, it has been applied to wounds, ulcers and acne. Swamp vervain can, however, interere with blood pressure medication and hormone therapy, and large doses cause vomiting and diarrhea. (Kershaw)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Common Buckeye
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Verbena hastata is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2012-12-09
