

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.
Lance-shaped leaves with jagged edges form a textured rosette.
Clusters of small purple blooms, each about 0.25 inches (0.63 cm) long.
Salver-shaped flowers in dense clusters, creating vibrant color display.
Small, brown seed capsules, around 1/8 inch (3 mm) in diameter.
Thin, upright stems with red-ridged angles and square cross-section.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Scientific Classification of Purpletop vervain