Verbena stricta 
(Burvine, Fever-weed, Hoary Vervain, Mullen-leaved Vervain)


Origin:  Native to United States
Family:  Verbenaceae
Light:  Full sun
Height: 1-2'
Spacing:  2'
Blooms:  Showy, blue-purple, 5-petaled, on short spikes, mid-Simmer
Foliage:  4" long x 2 1/2" across, herbaceous, opposite, coarse serrated margins, gray-green
Soil:  Well-drained, acidic, neutral, sandy, gravelly, clayey, drought tolerant
Water:  Average-low
Uses:  Xeriscaping, cut flowers, bouquets, cottage setting, mass, butterfly garden, bird garden
Propagation:  Stem cuttings/seeds

Comments:  Verbena stricta or Burvine or Hoary Vervain or Mullen-leaved Vervain is a perennial with a erect growth habit.  It is a native of United Staes.  In mid-Summer, Verbena stricta produces short hairy spikes of  dense, small, blue to purple 5-petaled flowers , followed later by seeds.  Butterflies and various bees including the bumble bees are magnetized by the nectar-rich blossoms while Cardinals and other song birds enjoy feasting on them.  Hoary Vervain is a host plant for the  caterpillars of Verbena and Fine-lined Sallow moths.  The freshly cut flowers make a lovely bouquet.  Burvine has gray-green, coarsely serrated, opposite foliage.  Verbena stricta is easily propagated from seeds.  It thrives best in well-drained, sandy, clayey or gravelly, acidic to neutral soil in a sunny environment.  Hoary Vervain is low maintenance and tolerates drought conditions when established, hence it's ideal for xeriscaping.  Mullen-leaved Vervain has long tap roots so plant in a permanent location.  Mass plant Verbena stricta for a dramatic effect in the sunny border or bed.  The tube-like flower spikes look awesome in a cottage setting in a wildflower garden.  Hoary Vervain provides colors and interest in the Summer and Fall landscape.  In its native habitat, Fever-weed is often found growing in open fields, shores and along roadsides.

USDA Zones:  3-8

JennysGarden.com...Plant image and gardening descriptions of Verbena stricta (Burvine, Fever-weed, Hoary Vervain, Mullen-leaved Vervain) growing in Jenny's Garden

Image of butterfly and bird attractor, Verbena stricta or Burvine or Hoary Vervain or Mullen-leaved Vervain coming soon...

Seed inquiries:  jen@JennysGarden.com