White Vervain
Verbena urticifolia
Family: Verbenaceae
What it is like
Verbena urticifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. 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): 0.3
Where it is found
Woodlands, pastures, along streams, roadsides and waste areas.
Eastern N. America - Quebec and Ontario to North Dakota, south to Florida and Texas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
A decoction of the root is given to babies to break out the hives. The sweetened root decoction is drunk as an aid for flu. An infusion of the root has been used in the treatment of profuse menstruation. The root has been eaten to revive a patient and restore them to health.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Restorative: Restores consciousness or normal physiological activity.
Women's complaints: A very vague title, it deals with a miscellany of problems peculiar to the female sex.
Other
Rating: 0
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
How it is grown
Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained but moisture retentive soil in a sunny position. Hardy to about -15°c.
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: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist