Minnesota Wildflowers


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Verbena urticifolia (White Vervain)

Plant Info
Also known as: Nettle-leaf Vervain
Genus:Verbena
Family:Verbenaceae (Verbena)
Life cycle:perennial
Origin:native
Habitat:part shade, shade; thickets, edges of woods
Bloom season:July - September
Plant height:3 to 5 feet
USDA PLANTS database:Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:

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Detailed Information

Flower: 5-petals tubular spike

[photo of flowers] Flowers are in numerous slender spikes that arise from the leaf axils near the top of the plant, and branch off at the top of the main stem. Individual flowers are white, tubular with 5 lobes and not more than 1/8 inch across. Only a few flowers are open on each spike at a time.

Leaves and stem: opposite simple

[photo of leaves] Leaves are up to 6 inches long and 2½ inches wide, coarsely toothed, softly hairy, oval to egg-shaped with a rounded or abruptly tapering base, sharply pointed tip and a leaf stem up to 2 inches long. Attachment is opposite, There are sometimes small leaflets at the leaf axil. The main stem is square and hairy.

Notes:

When White Vervain is in full bloom, it can have dozens of spikes flying out in all directions.

Where to buy native seed and plants

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Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest

More photos

Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN and Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Coon Rapids, MN August 2006 and 2008

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?

Posted by: Mark in Oakdale Nature Preserve
on: 2011-07-13 21:20:10

Found blooming July 13th 2011 on the south edge of the big meadow SSW of the Oakdale Discovery Center.

Posted by: Nancy in Lakeland, MN
on: 2011-08-29 23:26:56

I've had a large spray of this growing in my front flowerbed for a couple years. I was not sure what it is, but this site helped me figure it out. It is unusual, but is taking over the area. Definately blooms in August. I can send photos if you want.

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