Swamp verbena
Verbena hastata
Family: Verbenaceae
What it is like
A small shrub. It grows 0.9-1.5 m high and spreads 30-60 cm wide. It keeps growing from year to year. The stems are stiff and upright. The leaves are lance shaped and have teeth along the edge. The leaves are rough. The flowers are small and violet-blue. They are in spiky clusters.
There are about 250 Verbena species. It is used in medicine.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in damp locations and along roadsides and in wet fields. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canada, Europe (country/location of origin), North America, Tasmania, USA
How it is used for food
The small seeds are roasted and ground into flour. Changing the water can reduce the bitter taste. It is used for fried cakes and pinole. The leaves are used for tea. Caution: It can interfere with blood pressure medication and hormone therapy.
Edible parts
Seeds - flour, leaves - tea, flowers, root
How it is grown
It can be grown by seed or from cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
American blue vervain, Blue Vervain, Simpler's joy, Wild hyssop