Verbena urticifolia (White Vervain)
| 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 |
| Wetland Indicator Status: | GP: FAC MW: FAC NCNE: FAC |
| MN county distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
| National distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
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Detailed Information
Flower: 
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/verbena-urticifolia-009.jpg)
Flowers are in numerous slender spikes that arise from the leaf axils near the top of the plant, and branch at the top of the stem. Individual flowers are white, not more than 1/8 inch across, with 5 petals fused at the base into a short tube. The petal lobes are somewhat unequal, the 2 upper slightly smaller than the lower 3; the lower lobe is notched at the tip. The calyx is nearly as long as the floral tube, has 5 pointed lobes, and is hairy. The spikes elongate as the plant matures, with flowers densely packed near the tip and a few flowers open near the tip. Fruits form below the flowers and become more widely spaced as the spike elongates.
Leaves and stem:
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/verbena-urticifolia-001.jpg)
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 stalk up to 2 inches long. Attachment is opposite, There are sometimes small leaflets at the leaf axils. Stems are square, hairy and may be branched in the upper plant.
Fruit:
![[photo of developing fruit]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/verbena-urticifolia-006.jpg)
The calyx persists and encapsulates 4 tiny nutlets.
Notes:
When White Vervain is in full bloom, it can have dozens of spikes flying out in all directions. While typical plants are 4 feet tall or less, a robust specimen can reach heights of 6 feet.
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More photos
White Vervain plant
White Vervain plantsPhotos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk taken in Anoka and Hennepin counties.
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
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.
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.
on: 2012-08-19 11:15:14
Thanks for helping me to find out what was in my flower bed. I will leave it there.
on: 2015-01-16 15:01:58
This showed up summer of 2014 in my flower bed. I collaborated with other Anoka County Master Gardeners to identify it.
on: 2017-05-11 23:42:58
This grows in an untamed area of our lot. I love seeing it. Has anyone else observed it with what looks like a fungus... ?grayish white powdered leaves.
on: 2017-07-20 20:14:18
Found blooming on 18 July near Cross Lake in Chengwatana Township, Pine County.
on: 2018-07-05 10:30:51
Near thickets in partial shade along the walking path.
on: 2018-08-17 11:07:54
we found it while weeding rain garden in front of Champlin City Hall last week. It is on the W side near N end. Just a few feet in from parking lot. Just past bare mulch.
on: 2019-07-22 14:18:37
This was found in the old CRP ground.
on: 2019-07-27 13:04:08
Foundin an untamed area of our lot.
on: 2022-04-11 20:38:01
Had one volunteer in my urban backyard last year! Thought it was a "weed" u til realizing what it was. Birds must have brought it in because I'm in the middle of town.
on: 2023-07-18 18:14:44
To answer Chris' question, yes, that white stuff is on the leaves of the white vervain in my yard as well. Pretty sure it's powdery mildew--which evidently likes Verbena. Many insects, especially a smaller type of bee, also like this plant--its many tiny white flowers.
on: 2023-08-05 09:23:07
Just IDed this in my yard on a part-shade hillside near the woods. In the spring, when I first spotted it, I thought it might be nettles. And now I see its other common name is Nettle-leaf Vervain!
on: 2024-06-09 16:37:46
This is growing in one of my small gardens. I didn't plant it, and I'll watch its progress.
on: 2024-07-31 13:23:50
I.D. 07/31/24 1:15 PM at edge of the protected wetland area on our property.
on: 2024-08-10 16:31:29
I had three large volunteers show up in a full-sun garden. It wasn't blooming, and I cut one down (couldn't reach it to hand pull). When I got it out and IDed it, I decided to keep the other two. I'll watch them and maybe move them this fall.