Verbena lasiostachys (Western Vervain)

Noted for its long blooming season, Verbena lasiostachys (Western Vervain) is a sprawling, perennial or sub-shrub boasting purple-to-blue, pencil-like flower spikes, 3-10 in. long (7-25 cm), at the tips of slender, wiry stems. Blooming for weeks to months from mid-spring to fall, the blossoms open from the bottom upwards for a long-lasting display. Rich in nectar, they attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. They rise above the foliage of opposite, coarsely-toothed, green leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm). Western Vervain goes completely dormant in winter and grows quickly in early spring. Native to western North America, Western Vervain can be an aggressive spreader, particularly in moist areas, and should be used where it can be monitored. Adaptable, Western Vervain tolerates either wet or dry conditions, seasonal flooding, drought, sand, and clay soils. It can be used for erosion control, in hummingbird gardens or butterfly gardens.

• Grows up to 2-3 ft. high (60-90 cm) and 3 ft. wide (90 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in a variety of well-drained soils including sand and clay as long as adequate moisture is provided. Drought tolerant, Western Vervain tolerates seasonal flooding.
• Great for meadows, prairies, native plant gardens, or informal/naturalized areas.
• Virtually pest and disease free.
• Prune runners to control spread.
• Easily grown from seed.
• Native to western North America from Oregon, throughout California, to Baja California.