Description
Verbena hastata
Also known as American Vervain and Swamp Verbena, Blue Vervain is an upright, clump-forming perennial herb native to almost all of the US and Canada, where it is typically found in wet meadows, bottomlands and along stream banks and waste areas. In Spring tall erect stems with pairs of opposite leaves arise. These are topped by a candelabra-like panicle of violet flowering spikes in Summer (the species name hastata means spear-shaped). The flowers open from the bottom of the spike upward, with only a ring of a few flowers open at a time. Winter dormant. Height to 1.5m.
Easy to grow in average, medium to wet soils with good drainage. Full sun. Typically forms colonies in the wild by thick, slowly spreading rhizomes and self-seeding. Cut back after flowering or leave to self-seed.
Aerial parts of the plant are edible and were used as a food and medicine source by Native Americans. The seed can be roasted and ground into a powder. Leaves can be used as in salads or made into a tea. Flowers can be used in salads or as an edible garnish.
Blue Vervain has a strong history of traditional use for relaxing nerves, treating convalescents and people suffering from depression, headaches, jaundice, cramps, coughs and fevers. Externally, it has been applied to wounds, ulcers and acne.
Despite its long history of traditional use as a medicine, there is limited modern research in humans, though studies in animals have shown for example that vervain extract may have an anxiety-reducing effect similar to diazepam, that it may help decrease the number of seizure episodes and reduce the duration of episodes in epilepsy. Modern herbalists use Blue Vervain extracts in the treatment of both these issues.
An excellent bee and butterfly attractor, fantastic for any wildlife garden or also New Perennial style gardens with its airy candelabra flowerheads.
Certified organic plant in 9cm pot.
Freight: We can send up to 9 plants this size (in 9cm pots) for the same freight price or they can be combined with other grades but this will incur higher freight costs.
