Etymology: Verbena: ancient Latin name of the common European vervain
Plants: creeping annual/biennial/perennial, 1"-20" tall forb; stems square
Leaves: opposite, deeply pinnately-cut or 3-lobed
Flowers: blue to purple, 5-parted, up to 1/8" wide, tubular; inflorescence up to 1/2" thick, terminal, hairy spike with many bracts; blooms May-Oct.
Fruits: 4 linear, separating nutlets
Habitat: dry; disturbed sites
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 0, Wetland Indicator = FACU USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"