Hoary Vervain, Hoary verbena
Verbena stricta
Family: Verbenaceae
What it is like
Verbena stricta is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Roadsides and other dry open places.
Central N. America - Ontario and Ohio to South Dakota and Wyoming, south to Tennessee and Texas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
A tea-like beverage has been made from the leaves.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is thought to be specific for fever and ague. An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of stomach aches.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained but moisture retentive soil in a sunny position. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. Plants are often short-lived and sometimes only annual. Hybridizes with V. hastata.
Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse or cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring. Basal cuttings in early summer. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist