Blue vervain
Verbena hastata
Overview
A tall, elegant native perennial with candelabra-like spikes of small violet-purple flowers that open from the bottom up over six to eight weeks — far longer than most prairie perennials. Bees and especially small native bees swarm its tiny tubular blooms. Found wild in moist meadows, streambanks, and disturbed wet ground across most of eastern and central North America. Not to be confused with the bedding-plant verbenas at garden centers, which are different species bred for showiness rather than ecological function.
Growing Conditions
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | Nov — Dec | Fall sow seeds outdoors — requires cold stratification to germinate |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant plugs after last frost; space 12–18 inches |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | Jul — Sep | Candelabra spikes of small purple flowers; bloom bottom-up over 6–8 weeks |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Nov — Dec | Fall sow for cold stratification; surface-press seed on moist soil |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | Jul — Sep | Long mid-to-late summer bloom; small native bees swarm it |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Oct — Dec | Fall sow; do not bury seed, light helps germination |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant in spring at back of border or moist meadow edge |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | Jul — Oct | Extended bloom into early fall; deadhead to limit self-seeding |
| Moderate (5-7) | Divide | Mar — Apr | Divide mature clumps every 3–4 years in early spring |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Oct — Nov | Late fall sow; mild winter chill enough for germination |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | Jun — Sep | Summer bloom; needs consistent moisture in heat |
Uses
Medicinal
- Traditional nervine for anxiety and tension
- Mild sedative tea (caution with dosage)
- Historical Indigenous use for headaches and fevers
Other Uses
- Premier pollinator plant for native bees
- Rain garden and wet meadow restoration
- Vertical accent for back of perennial border
Safety Notes
Traditionally used as a nervine and mild sedative in herbal medicine. Avoid during pregnancy and with blood-thinning medications. May cause vomiting in high doses. Consult a qualified herbalist before medicinal use.
