VERBENA stricta (Hoary Vervain)

VERBENA stricta (Hoary Vervain) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It is a hardy perennial plant with its upright growth habit, pale purple flowers, and hoary foliage. It is a versatile plant that can be grown for its wildlife value, herbal uses, or ornamental appeal in various garden settings.

Hoary Vervain typically grows upright and can reach a height of about 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm). It has a clumping habit, with multiple stems emerging from a central base. The stems are square-shaped and may have a slight reddish tint. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy or rocky soils.

The flowers of Hoary Vervain are arranged in slender spikes that rise above the foliage. The individual flowers are small and tubular in shape, usually a pale purple or lavender color. They bloom from summer to early fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

The leaves of Hoary Vervain are lance-shaped and have a gray-green or silver-gray color, giving the plant a hoary or grayish appearance. The leaves are arranged opposite each other along the stems and have serrated edges.

Hoary Vervain is often valued for its wildlife benefits. The flowers provide a nectar source for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden. The plant's seeds also serve as a food source for birds.