Etymology: Verbena: ancient Latin name of the common European vervain
Plants: erect, annual/perennial, 8"-36" tall forb, stout, with dusty-looking, long hairs; stems square
Leaves: opposite, oval to elliptical, stalkless, sharply toothed
Flowers: deep blue to purple, 5-parted, 1/8"-1/4" wide; inflorescence usually 1 to a few, 8" long, thick spikes; blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: 4 elliptical, separating nutlets
Habitat: full sun; dry to moderate moisture; disturbed sites, prairies, inland sands, fields; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Native