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Blue vervain

How to identify Blue vervain (Verbena hastata)

Blue vervain, also known as Swamp verbena, American blue vervain, Ironweed, Simpler's joy

Blue vervain typically features tall, erect stems that can reach heights of 2 to 5 feet (60 to 150 cm). The stems are often square-shaped and bear lance-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Throughout the blooming season, small, tubular, violet-blue flowers cluster in elongated spikes at the top of each stem. The inflorescences give off a delicate appearance, contrasting with the plant's robust structure. Spirally arranged on the spike, each flower has five petals that are fused at the base, creating a flared mouth.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Biennial, Annual

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Blue vervain

1

Square stems, 0.1-0.2 inches (2.5-5 mm) diameter, with white appressed hairs for texture.

2

Lance-shaped leaves, opposite pairs, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long, 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.

3

Tubular, violet-blue flowers in panicles, 0.6 cm wide, with fused petals creating flared mouth.

4

Nutlets with persistent calyx, reddish-brown, triangular-convex, small in size.

5

6-inch (15 cm) panicles, blue-violet corolla divided into 5 lobes, candelabra-like appearance.

Blue vervainBlue vervainBlue vervainBlue vervainBlue vervain

Detailed Traits of Blue vervain

Leaf Features

The leaves of blue vervain are up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, displaying a lance-shaped form with toothed edges. They present a prominent vein pattern and occur in opposite pairs along the stem. The leaves are typically green, with a textured surface that can be slightly rough to the touch, enhancing their distinctive look.

Leaf Base

Cuneate ,
Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Apex

Acuminate

Leaf Texture

Papyraceous

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Flower Features

Blue vervain features 6-inch (15 cm) panicles of purplish-blue flowers. Individual blooms, 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) each, display a blue-violet corolla divided into 5 spreading lobes. They have a short-tubular calyx with 5 narrow teeth, 4 inserted stamens, and a pistil. The candelabra-like panicles bear pencil-thin flower spikes that bloom from bottom to top, with few flowers open at once.

Blue vervain Flower image
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Stem Features

Blue vervain's stems are distinctly square in cross-section, displaying a unique angular profile. The color ranges from green to red, with a noticeable contrast provided by white appressed hairs that cover the surface. These hairs lay flat against the stem, contributing to its slightly rough texture. The stems are generally modest in thickness, reaching about 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2.5 to 5 mm) in diameter. Branching out occasionally, the stems display a subtle but consistent pattern of nodes and inter-nodes.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of blue vervain is characterized by a persistent calyx, which houses four oblong nutlets. These nutlets are typically reddish-brown in color, with a distinctive triangular-convex shape, giving them a unique three-dimensional profile. Their texture is firm, ensuring protection for the seeds within. Each nutlet is relatively small in size, authenticating the fruit's identification for enthusiasts and botanists alike.

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Blue vervain and Their Similar Plants

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Purpletop vervain vs. Blue vervain: What's The Difference?
Purpletop vervain (Verbena bonariensis) is a flowering plant native to South America. In autumn, purpletop vervain loses its leaves. The lavender flowers on this species have a sweet scent.
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Slender vervain vs. Blue 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. Blue 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. Blue 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. Blue 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 Blue vervain

Attributes of Blue vervain
Lifespan
Perennial, Biennial, Annual
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Purple
Blue
Violet
White
Pink
Lavender
Fruit Color
Brown
Red
Copper
Burgundy
Stem Color
Green
Red
Purple
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Blue vervain

Family
Verbena
Icon allow
Species
Blue vervain (Verbena hastata)
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Distribution Map of Blue vervain

Blue vervain, naturally flourishing in North America, has expanded its reach into parts of Europe and the Caribbean. In its native range, this hardy perennial thrives in various habitats, from moist environments to roadsides. As a cultivated species, blue vervain is now found beyond its indigenous locations, adapting to and integrating with foreign ecosystems.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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