Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free picturethis icon
Continue Reading
Big-Bract Verbena
Also known as: Carpet Vervain
Big-Bract Verbena (Verbena bracteata) is a perennial wildflower that attracts bees and butterflies. Considered a weed by some, but can make a nice ground covering. It blooms from summer to fall with small pink, white, red, blue, lavender, or purple flowers. Commonly found growing along roadsides and disturbed areas.
Scientific classification
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Annual, Biennial, Perennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Late spring, Summer, Fall
Bloom Time
5 cm to 25 cm
Plant Height
30 cm to 90 cm
Spread
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Images of Big-Bract Verbena

Distribution of Big-Bract Verbena

Distribution Map
Big-Bract Verbena is a plant species primarily native to parts of North America. It has expanded its presence as an introduced species across significant areas of Europe and the northern temperate regions. This plant has successfully adapted to various climates outside its native range, yet it does not typically reflect a cultivated status as the input concerning cultivation was omitted.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
Discover plant distribution and habitat
Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.
Download the App for Free
Habitat
Waste places, roadsides, fields
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Culture

Symbolism
Enchantment
Get quick plant knowledge with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.
Download the App for Free

Weed Control

Big-Bract Verbena originates from the temperate regions of North America. As a weed, it is highly invasive and detrimental to gardens due to its aggressive growth habit. It has the ability to blanket entire landscapes, thereby outcompeting desirable garden plants for water, light, and nutrients, potentially causing them to die off. Furthermore, big-Bract Verbena is highly resilient and can thrive in a variety of soil types and climatic conditions. These traits, coupled with its robust reproduction capabilities, allow it to spread exponentially. When left uncontrolled, big-Bract Verbena can transform a healthy garden into an imbalanced ecosystem. The plant's seeds, which are its primary means of dispersal, spread with the help of wind or are transported by animals. These seeds can lay dormant in the soil for extended periods, making complete elimination challenging.
How to Control It
The ideal time for the removal of big-Bract Verbena is during late winter and early spring, before its seeds begin to germinate. The plant should be removed before it reaches the flowering stage to prevent seed dispersal.
  1. Hand Pulling: The simplest and most straightforward method of weed control is hand pulling. Equip yourself with a pair of gardening gloves to protect your hands. Ensure to pull out the root of the plant completely to prevent regrowth.
  2. Solarization: This is a more eco-friendly method and involves leveraging the power of the sun to kill weeds. Start by moistening the area infested with big-Bract Verbena. Then, cover it with a clear plastic sheet and secure the perimeters to trap heat. Leave this setup undisturbed for at least six weeks during the hot summer months. The trapped heat will effectively kill the weed and its seeds.
  3. Use of Organic Herbicides: If the infestation is severe, consider using organic herbicides. Vinegar or citrus oil are good options. Spray these on the foliage of the plant on a sunny day for best results. Ensure not to spray on other plants as these substances are non-selective.
  4. Covering with Cardboard or Newspaper: An interesting method to control big-Bract Verbena could be covering the infested area with cardboard or newspapers. This method, known as sheet mulching, suffocates the weed by blocking sunlight and airflow. Wet the area first, lay the material, and then cover it with a layer of compost or mulch.
Identify toxic plants in your garden
Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.
Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Big-Bract Verbena

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Big-Bract Verbena thrives in moderately moist conditions and tolerates brief dryness. Preferably kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, it benefits from weekly watering. As an herbaceous perennial, it flourishes outdoors, utilizing natural rainfall to enhance resilience during the growing season.
Fertilize: Feed big-Bract Verbena with organic water-soluble fertilizer applied to soil to avoid leaf burn. In spring and summer, feed bi-monthly; some prefer monthly feeding in fall and winter for optimal health and color.
Pruning: Big-Bract Verbena can grow 10cm-140cm tall and up to 2m wide. It blooms from summer to winter, requiring monthly pruning in summer and bi-seasonal trimming otherwise. Remove spent flowers and foliage, trim 1-2 inches at a time, and avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant.
Propagation: Propagation of big-Bract Verbena can be achieved from cuttings or seeds. Plant seeds in 5 cm (2 inches) of soil indoors ten weeks before winter ends. Sprouts appear after two weeks. Once seedlings reach 5-8 cm (2-3 inches), gradually acclimate them outdoors for a week before transplanting.
Get tips and tricks for your plants.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: How to Grow and Care for Big-Bract Verbena
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Download the App for Free
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app