Blue Vervain

Verbena hastata

 Seeds per packet: ~50

Packed for 2025

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) is a tall, slender, and striking perennial wildflower native to North America. It belongs to the Verbenaceae family and is commonly found in moist meadows, prairies, stream banks, and other wetland areas. Attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds due to its nectar-rich flowers. Seeds provide food for songbirds. Historically used in herbal medicine for anxiety, digestive issues, and as a mild sedative.

Key Characteristics: Typically grows between 2 to 6 feet tall. Produces small, vibrant purple-blue flowers in elegant, branching spikes that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The flowers open progressively from the bottom to the top. Leaves are deep green, lance-shaped with serrated edges, arranged oppositely along the square stems. Stems are stiff, erect, and square-shaped (a characteristic of the mint family, though it is not a mint). Blue Vervain forms a fibrous root system.

Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Thrives in moist, well-drained soil, but tolerates clay and sandy soils. Moderate to high moisture needs, making it ideal for wetland restoration projects. Often planted with milkweed, Joe-Pye weed, echinacea, and goldenrod in native wildflower gardens. Works well in rain gardens, pollinator gardens, and naturalized areas.