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Purpletop vervain

How to identify Purpletop vervain (Verbena bonariensis)

Purpletop vervain, also known as Tall vervain, South american vervain

Purpletop vervain is a stately perennial reaching heights of 2 to 5 feet (60 to 150 cm) with airy, slender stems arising from a base of dense foliage. The leaves at its base are lance-shaped with jagged edges, creating a textured rosette. Rising above, the striking feature of purpletop vervain is the profuse, rounded clusters of small purple blooms each measuring about 0.25 inches (0.63 cm) in length. These flowers gather in bunches 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) across, presenting a delicate, yet vibrant display from spring through fall.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Purpletop vervain

1

Lance-shaped leaves with jagged edges form a textured rosette.

2

Clusters of small purple blooms, each about 0.25 inches (0.63 cm) long.

3

Salver-shaped flowers in dense clusters, creating vibrant color display.

4

Small, brown seed capsules, around 1/8 inch (3 mm) in diameter.

5

Thin, upright stems with red-ridged angles and square cross-section.

Purpletop vervainPurpletop vervainPurpletop vervainPurpletop vervainPurpletop vervain

Detailed Traits of Purpletop vervain

Leaf Features

The leaves of purpletop vervain are dark green and lance-shaped, reaching lengths of up to 5 inches (10 cm). They form a basal clump and are more sparse as they ascend the stem. The leaves are notable for their serrated margins and sparse distribution along the stem. Their lanceolate shape and dark green color are key identifiers for this plant.

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Flower Features

Purpletop vervain flowers form dense, flat-topped clusters that span about 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) across. Each individual flower measures approximately 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) across and 1/3 inch (0.8 cm) long. The clusters are made up of tiny pinkish-purple flowers arranged in spike or panicle inflorescences. Each flower is salver-shaped, giving them a distinctive tube-like appearance. The blooming period provides a vibrant splash of color that is crucial for plant identification.

Purpletop vervain Flower image
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Stem Features

The stems of purpletop vervain are thin yet strong, featuring noticeable ridges with red markings along them. They are upright, slender, and exhibit a square (4-angled) cross-section. The stems are covered in short white hairs, adding a slightly fuzzy texture. Measuring approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall, these green stems are crucial for identification due to their unique angles and characteristic markings.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of purpletop vervain consists of small, brown seed capsules that follow its blooming period. These dry, nutlet-like capsules are typically about 1/8 inch (3 mm) in diameter and house multiple minute seeds. The seed capsules are initially green, becoming brown as they mature, with a slightly wrinkled and rough texture. Ovoid to tapered in shape, these fruits are inconspicuous and blend with the surrounding foliage. The capsules contribute to the plant's propagation by releasing seeds when they split open upon reaching full maturity.

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Purpletop vervain and Their Similar Plants

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Blue vervain vs. Purpletop vervain: What's The Difference?
This wildflower grows in prairies across the US and Canada. It attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, and provides a home for Common Buckeye caterpillars. Blue vervain has been used in traditional medicines in a variety of cultures but has been found by modern science to have negative effects on the human body under some conditions.
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Slender vervain vs. Purpletop vervain: What's The Difference?
This wildflower grows erect in a shrub that flowers in summer and fall in South America and the southeastern United States. In non-native regions, slender vervain is occasionally considered invasive, and roots easily in disturbed soils. The bright flowers attract pollinators like butterflies and hoverflies.
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Hoary verbena vs. Purpletop vervain: What's The Difference?
Hoary verbena, or Verbena stricta, is known for its tall plumes of purple flowers. It will easily overtake an overgrazed pasture, but it is not known to be aggressive or invasive. It germinates easily from seed.
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Brazilian vervain vs. Purpletop vervain: What's The Difference?
Brazilian vervain (Verbena brasiliensis) is a perennial herb that grows in clumps. This plant can grow to be 91 to 183 cm tall and 30 to 91 cm wide. It has small purple flowers bloom from summer to the first frost of the year. Brazilian vervain blossoms are fragrant. This species grows best in full sunlight. It is drought and heat tolerant.
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Purpletop vervain 'Lollipop' vs. Purpletop vervain: What's The Difference?
The purpletop vervain 'Lollipop' genus includes 250 different plant types! The leaves often have a layer of hair on them, and the fruit splits into four different parts--each with one seed. The name refers to "sacred foliage" and is regularly used as a girl's name in Spanish-speaking countries. It has held this "sacred" distinction since ancient Roman times.
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Key Facts About Purpletop vervain

Attributes of Purpletop vervain
Lifespan
Perennial, Annual, Biennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
1.8 m
Spread
90 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
5 mm to 6 mm
Flower Color
Purple
Violet
Fruit Color
Brown
Copper
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Scientific Classification of Purpletop vervain

Family
Verbena
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Species
Purpletop vervain (Verbena bonariensis)
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Distribution Map of Purpletop vervain

Purpletop vervain is native to most of South America and has been introduced across the globe as an ornamental plant, including in the US. Its native habitat includes damp grasslands and stream or river banks. It has escaped cultivation and become invasive in the US, particularly in livestock pastures.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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