Vervain

Verbena ×illicita

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Verbenaceae
Genus:
Verbena
Species:
Verbena ×illicita
USDA Symbol:
VEIL

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual | Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
120 cm
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
purple, lavender

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to regions with dry, open habitats

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI