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Slender vervain

How to identify Slender vervain (Verbena rigida)

Slender vervain, also known as Creeping verbena, Stiff verbena

Slender vervain is an evergreen perennial reaching 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) in height and spreading wider via rhizomes. Its foliage is comprised of rough, dark green leaves, each 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) long with pointed lobes and tips. This plant features vivid purple flowers, fragrant and clustered on branching panicles, blooming from spring through fall and potentially into winter in mild climates. The blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies, while the textured leaves deter deer.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Slender vervain

1

Rough, dark green lanceolate leaves with toothed margins, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long.

2

Vivid purple tubular flowers in 2-3 inch (5-7.5 cm) clusters on erect spikes.

3

Stem with square cross-section, sparse glandular hairs, and roots at nodes for spreading.

4

Flowers bloom from spring to fall, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.

5

Branching panicles of fragrant flowers, rough leaves deter deer, growing 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall.

Slender vervainSlender vervainSlender vervainSlender vervainSlender vervain

Detailed Traits of Slender vervain

Leaf Features

The leaves of slender vervain are rough to the touch, typically measuring 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in length. They have a coarse texture with toothed margins that are easily distinguishable. The shape of the leaves is generally lanceolate, showcasing a deep green color. Prominent veins run longitudinally along the leaf surface, enhancing their rough texture. These features, combined with their unique toothed edges, make the leaves of slender vervain easily identifiable for plant enthusiasts.

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Flower Features

Slender vervain flowers are arranged in 2 to 3 inch (5 to 7.5 cm) clusters that form on stiffly erect spikes. Ranging in color from rich purple to lilac, these blooms appear throughout the summer and fall. Each flower cluster is made up of several small, tubular blooms with a slightly flared shape. This vibrant display is both visually striking and attractive to pollinators, making slender vervain a notable addition to any garden during its long blooming period.

Slender vervain Flower image
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Stem Features

The stem of slender vervain is distinctly rigid and erect, exhibiting a square cross-section typical of the Verbena genus. It is covered in a sparse array of fine, glandular hairs, giving it a slightly rough texture. The stem is green to reddish-brown and averages about 0.4-0.6 inches (1-1.5 cm) thick. Notably, it roots at the nodes where it contacts the ground, aiding in its spread. Branching occurs primarily near the base, resulting in a bushy growth habit.

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Slender vervain and Their Similar Plants

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Purpletop vervain vs. Slender 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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Blue vervain vs. Slender 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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Hoary verbena vs. Slender 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. Slender 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. Slender 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 Slender vervain

Attributes of Slender vervain
Lifespan
Perennial, Annual, Biennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
60 cm
Flower Color
Purple
Pink
Fruit Color
Green
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Slender vervain

Family
Verbena
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Species
Slender vervain (Verbena rigida)
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Distribution Map of Slender vervain

Slender vervain has a diverse global presence, predominantly gracing the regions of South America as its native territory. It has been introduced to various continents, lending to its reputation as a cultivated ornamental. In certain areas, slender vervain is sometimes thought to be a garden escape, where it may have an impact on local ecosystems. Although cultivated, in some regions like Oceania and parts of Asia, slender vervain may be viewed as a potential competitor to native species.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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