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Narrow-leaved Vervain

Verbena simplex

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Category
Forb / Wildflower
Sun
Full
Soil moisture
Medium-Dry to Dry
Bloom time
Jun–Aug
Bloom color
Purple

About Narrow-leaved Vervain

Narrow-leaved Vervain is a tough and resilient little perennial that excels in dry, sunny locations where other plants might struggle. It is characterized by its slender, lance-shaped leaves and upright spikes of lavender to light purple flowers that bloom from June through August. Typically growing 1 to 2.5 feet tall, it has a more compact habit than its larger vervain relatives, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens or the front of a native border. Native to the central and eastern United States, it is frequently found in glades, dry prairies, and along rocky roadsides. Despite its small size, it is a significant nectar source for a variety of small bees, butterflies, and skippers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, dry soils, and is notably drought-tolerant once established. For gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly plant that can handle harsh conditions, Narrow-leaved Vervain is an outstanding candidate.

Native range

Native to 33 states:

AlabamaArkansasConnecticutD.C.DelawareFloridaGeorgiaIowaIllinoisIndianaKansasKentuckyMassachusettsMarylandMichiganMinnesotaMissouriMississippiNorth CarolinaNebraskaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew YorkOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaSouth CarolinaTennesseeTexasVirginiaVermontWisconsinWest Virginia

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Verbena simplex

Range map courtesy of BONAP (Biota of North America Program).

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