"Hoary Vervain, Mullien-leaved Verbena, Wooly Verbena"
"Verbena is the Latin term for ""sacred herb"". Stricta is Latin for ""upright, erect"".
Distinctive square stem, grows to 3 feet. Plant is very hairy normally. Flowers vary from blue-violet to rose and occur in spikes at the top of the plant from late June to September. Spikes can be 8 inches long and bloom from the bottom up. Found in fields, thickets and ditches throughout the Tallgrass region.
Sun Exposure | Prairie, Savanna |
Soil Moisture | Dry Mesic, Dry |
Bloom Time |
Summer, Fall June, July, August, September |
Bloom Color | Blue |
Max Height | 2 feet |
Wetland Code | UPL |
Germ Code | C(60), D |
Seeds Per Ounce | 28,000 |
"The seeds of Blue Vervain were collected by some Native Americans , roasted and ground into a flour or meal. Central California Miwoks used the seed meal as an extensive food source. A tea made from the leaves was used as a remedy for stomach aches by northern plains Indians. The tops of this plant persist through the hard northern winter months and provide a limited amount of food to birds.
Edible Uses: A tea-like beverage has been made from the leaves.
Medicinal Uses: "The plant is thought to be specific for fever and ague. An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of stomach aches.
Herbal Uses: Unknown