Maryland Native Plants for Wet Soils

Verbena hastata – Blue Vervain

Verbena hastata, commonly called blue vervain, is a perennial which commonly occurs in wet meadows, wet river bottomlands, stream banks, slough peripheries, fields and waste areas. It is often used for landscaping due to its beautiful purple flowers and ability to grow on degraded land. It is a rough, clump-forming perennial with a stiff, upright habit which typically grows 2-4′ tall (less frequently to 6′). The candelabra-like inflorescences are erect, slender, and pencil-like. They are boast numerous tiny, tubular, 5-lobed, purplish-blue flowers (1/8″ wide) which appear over a long bloom period.

The long bloom time is because of this plant’s blooming habit; only a few bloom at a time, first blooming at the bottom. Additionally, these flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators as the flowers produce both pollen and nectar and it’s seeds serve as a food source for small birds such as juncos. Species like long- and short-tongued bees are attracted to the plant primarily for its nectar but occasionally use the pollen as well. Another notable thing about this species is it’s resistance to being snacked on my many mammals because the leaves have a bitter taste. The plant also serves as a larval host for the Common Buckeye butterfly among other species of lepidoptera.

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Be sure to check our weekly inventory as these plants may also be available in plugs!

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Blue Vervain in winter

Blue Vervain flower

Blue Vervain leaf and stem