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Burvine

Verbena urticifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Verbena urticifolia is a native forb found across most of the United States, blooming from June through September with small white flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and beetles.

Burvine (Verbena urticifolia)
Photo: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay

Toxicity unknown

Burvine (Verbena urticifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CT and 34 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Burvine is a tall, upright perennial that produces small white flowers in slender spikes from June through September. This native wildflower has a somewhat sparse, open growth habit and can reach up to 4 feet tall with narrow, toothed leaves.

Growing Burvine

Grow Burvine in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Burvine takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Tall, sparse growth appears weedy to many
  • Small inconspicuous flowers lack ornamental impact
  • Open structure doesn't provide neat garden appearance

Wildlife value

The long blooming period provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and beetles throughout the summer and fall. The extended flowering season makes it particularly valuable for late-season pollinators when other flowers are fading.

Common questions

When does Verbena urticifolia bloom?
Verbena urticifolia blooms from June through September, producing small white flowers in spike-like clusters.
What pollinators visit Verbena urticifolia?
This native plant attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles with its nectar-rich flowers throughout the summer blooming period.
Where is Verbena urticifolia native?
Verbena urticifolia is native to most of the United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Arizona, including the Great Plains and Midwest regions.
What growing conditions does Verbena urticifolia prefer?
This adaptable forb tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels from dry to wet soils.
Is Burvine HOA-friendly?
Burvine takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Burvine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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