Vervain
Verbena lasiostachys
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Vervain (Verbena lasiostachys) 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
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, OR
Pollinators
butterflies, native bees
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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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A sprawling perennial with rough-textured leaves and slender spikes of small purple flowers that bloom over a long season. It grows in open grassland and disturbed sites, spreading loosely with age.
Wildlife value
Its long bloom period provides a steady nectar source for butterflies and native bees through much of the growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Vervain need?
- Vervain grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Vervain bloom?
- Vervain blooms in April, May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Vervain native?
- Vervain (Verbena lasiostachys) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Vervain attract?
- Vervain draws butterflies and native bees.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Vervain? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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