Vervain
Verbena officinalis
Verbenaceae
Other names
Common Verbena
Growth habit
Herbaceous
Native distribution
Southern Europe; Naturalized Worldwide
Biocultural value
In Drayton's Nimphidia, The Court of Fayrie, it is said to have the power of warding off witches. An infusion of the leaves is a popular tea in France where it is used to help calm the nerves and aid digestion.
Location
Source of plant
Richters, J.L. Hudson, Seedsman
Description
Perennial herb to 80 cm in height, stems tetragonal; upper leaves to 7 cm long and 3 cm wide, deeply incised or 1-2-pinnatifid, the lower leaves smaller, entire or subentire; inflorescence paniculate, spikes dense, elongating to 35 cm; corolla lilac or pale pink.
USDA Hardiness Zone
4
Special characteristics
food