Hoary Vervain, also known by its scientific name Verbena stricta, is a hardy, native perennial wildflower found throughout much of the central and eastern United States. Its range extends from the Great Plains to the Midwest and parts of the Southeast, making it a familiar presence in prairie remnants, open woodlands, and dry grasslands.
This plant typically grows two to four feet tall and forms upright, clump-like stems topped with vibrant purple flower spikes. These spikes can be anywhere from two to eight inches long and consist of dozens of small, tubular flowers that bloom sequentially from the bottom upward. Each blossom is about half an inch in size and showcases five rounded lobes with the lower lobe often slightly notched, attracting the eye with both color and delicate form.
The leaves of Hoary Vervain are distinctive—oval to obovate in shape, two to three inches long, and covered with dense, silvery hairs that lend the plant its “hoary” appearance. They are coarsely toothed along the margins and pointed at the tips, giving the plant a rugged texture. These leaves are arranged opposite each other along the square-shaped stems, which are also hairy.
Hoary Vervain is well-suited to dry, sunny environments and is most often found in disturbed soils, roadsides, ditch banks, and sandy fields. It thrives in well-drained, low-fertility soils and requires little maintenance once established, making it an excellent choice for native plant gardens and prairie restorations.
Additionally, Hoary Vervain plays a valuable ecological role. It provides nectar for a wide variety of pollinators, including native bees, butterflies, and moths. The Common Buckeye butterfly uses it as a host plant, and certain specialist bees, like Calliopsis verbenae, rely exclusively on its blooms for pollen. Songbirds, particularly sparrows, are known to feed on its seeds, aiding in dispersal.
Because it is both deer and rabbit resistant, Hoary Vervain is a reliable performer in wildlife gardens. While it can reseed itself generously, especially in favorable conditions, gardeners can manage its spread by deadheading spent flower spikes. (July)