Plant Detail: Verbena hastata

* Common Name:	blue vervain, swamp verbena, simpler's joy
* Genus:	*Verbena*
* Species:	*hastata*
Subspecies:
* Family (scientific):	Verbenaceae
* Family (common):	Vervain
Synonyms :
* Distribution in Canada:	British Columbia Saskatchewan Manitoba Ontario Quebec New Brunswick Nova Scotia

Photographer: Jim Stasz @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.

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Habitat

Ecozone(s):

Boreal Shield
Atlantic Maritime
Mixedwood Plains
Boreal Plains
Prairies
Pacific Maritime
Montane Cordillera

Natural Habitat(s):

Forest Edge
Prairie/Meadow/Field
Wet Meadow/Prairie/Field (less than 25% cover)
Riparian (edge)
Lakeshores

Habitat Garden(s):

Pond Edge/Wetland Garden
Butterfly
Bird
Hedgerow / Thicket / Windbreak / Screening
Prairie/Meadow

Erosion Control?

Characteristics		Growing Conditions
* Plant Type:	Wildflower	Moisture Requirements: Normal, Moist, Wet Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Soil Requirements: Clay, Sand, Loam Temperature Zone: 3
Evergreen?	No
Average Height:	60 to 180 cm
Tolerances:

Flower Info		Fruit/Seed Info
Showy flowers?	Yes	Showy fruit/seeds?	No
Bloom time:	Jul to Sep	Edible for humans?	No
Flower Colour(s):	Blue, Purple	Fruit/Seed Colour(s):	Red, Brown

Miscellaneous		Uses
Fragrant Flowers?		Urban Oasis, Stewards in the City, and Eco Superior are specific Evergreen programs that some plants are used in.
Fragrant Foliage?		Program & Other Uses:	Aboriginal
Fall colours?	No
Distinctive bark?
Poisonous to humans?
Thorns or prickles?
Attracts wildlife?	Birds Butterflies Butterfly Larvae Bees
Larval host for:	common buckeye	Provincial tree/flower?
Plant Watch species?	No

Provides nectar for butterflies such as: orange sulphur, wood nymph. (Wildtype)

This plant has been used for many years as a medicinal herb for treating convalescents and people suffering from depression, headaches, jaundice, cramps, coughs and fevers. Externally, it has been applied to wounds, ulcers and acne. Swamp vervain can, however, interere with blood pressure medication and hormone therapy, and large doses cause vomiting and diarrhea. (Kershaw)

It was used by aboriginal peoples for the treatment of ailments.

Sparrows and finches eat the seeds. (Kansas Wildflowers etc.)

Can easily be found on moist wasteland and in ditches.

Wildtype

Missouri Botanical Garden, 200

KANSAS WILDFLOWERS AND GRASSES

National Audubon Society: Field Guide to North American Butterflies
National Audubon Society
Alfred A. Knopf, New York
1981
ISBN: 0-394-51914-0

Ontario Wildflowers
Linda Kershaw
Lone Pine Publishing
2002
ISBN 1-55101-285-7

Ontario Native Plants: 2002 Resource Guide
Ontario Native Plants Company
2002

National Audubon Society: Field Guide to North American Wildflowers, Eastern Region
National Audubon Society
Alfred A. Knopf, New York
1979
ISBN: 0-394-50432-1

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