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

Robison Herb Garden

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