Swamp Verbena

Biological Name:

Verbena spp. (Swamp-Verbena)

Natural Habitat:

Swamp-Verbena: Wetland areas, such as swamps and marshes, in the Southeast United States.

Description:

Swamp-Verbena also known as Verbena is a plant that is native to wetland and riparian areas of North America. It is a perennial herb that can grow up to six inches tall and it has small oval-shaped leaves and small purple or white flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant is known for its ability to tolerate wet marshy conditions and it is often found growing along the edges of ponds and streams.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is Blue Vervain invasive?
A: Although the species has spread to other countries from its native environment, and is sometimes regarded as an invasive threat (in Australia and some states of the USA), it often seems to be restricted to disturbed habitats like roadsides, stream banks, tracks and waste places.
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Q: Who should not take Blue Vervain?
A: Vervain should be avoided during pregnancy. Although, traditionally, its use was during the last two weeks of pregnancy to facilitate labor. Vervain should be used during pregnancy only under the guidance of a healthcare professional experienced in herbal medicine.
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Q: Is vervain poisonous to humans?
A: Is vervain poisonous? The vervain plant is not poisonous and is generally recognized as safe as a food by the FDA.
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Q: What does smoking Blue Vervain do?
A: Blue Vervain An herb in traditional Chinese medicine, this spearheaded wildflower can quiet the mind, reduce stress and boost mood when smoked. It’s shown to have a positive impact on those dealing with depression.
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Q: Can you touch vervain?
A: Status. Vervain is a potent herb and a vampire’s most well-known weakness. If a vampire makes physical contact with vervain in any form, it will burn them.
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Q: What is the difference between vervain and Blue Vervain?
A: The most noticeable distinguishing characteristic is that Hoary Vervain has fuzzy leaves, and Blue Vervain doesn’t. Hoary Vervain’s flowers are also slightly bigger than Blue Vervain’s.
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Q: What does vervain do to humans?
A: Vervain is a popular remedy due to its multiple plant-beneficial compounds. Some of its benefits include antitumor effects, nerve cell protection, anxiety- and convulsion-reducing properties, and antimicrobial activity.
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Q: Is swamp verbena edible?
A: Blue vervain (also known as American vervain or swamp vervain) is beautiful perennial herb native to eastern North America with an array of culinary and medicinal uses. The seeds are edible and can be roasted and ground into a powder or cooked whole.
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Q: Does verbena come back year after year?
A: Yes, all verbenas are perennial, but some are grown as annuals as they are not hardy in our climate and are so easy to propagate from cuttings or seed.
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Q: Is verbena toxic to humans?
A: Verbena plants are not poisonous to people. The plants are generally safe, although some varieties are toxic to animals. For instance, purple top verbena is toxic to animals, but most trailing types are safe. When in doubt, it is best to take precautions to keep pets safe.
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Q: What does verbena do to humans?
A: Verbena is a plant. The parts that grow above ground are used to make medicine. Verbena is used for mild gum disease (gingivitis), swelling (inflammation) of the nasal cavity and sinuses (rhinosinusitis), heart conditions, depression, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
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Q: Should verbena be cut back after flowering?
A: Most verbena varieties do well in moist but well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position. Leave flowers of hardier types to develop seedheads for the birds and, in mild regions, cut them back before growth starts again in spring.
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Q: How long do verbenas last?
A: Delivery options. This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring. Tightly packed clusters of lilac-purple flowers top the tall branching stems from June to September.
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Q: Does verbena do better in pots or the ground?
A: Containers are great for Verbena, as established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant, and they like to dry out between watering.
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Q: What is the scientific name for the swamp verbena?
A: Verbena hastata (Swamp verbena) | Native Plants of North America.
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Q: Does verbena grow back every year?
A: Yes, all verbenas are perennial, but some are grown as annuals as they are not hardy in our climate and are so easy to propagate from cuttings or seed.
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Q: How long do verbena plants live?
A: Most verbenas are short-lived, so you should plan on replacing them after two or three years. However, some species can re-seed and naturalize in the garden.
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Q: Is verbena cut and come again?
A: Annual Verbena plants can be cut back in the fall. Perennial Verbena will grow year-round in subtropical climates. In this type of environment, it is only necessary to trim back dead growth as it occurs. In most other regions, perennial Verbenas will need to overwinter.
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Q: Is verbena plant an annual or perennial?
A: Is verbena a perennial? Verbena is a group of half-hardy to hardy herbaceous perennials, sometimes short-lived but very floriferous over several months. Commonly known as vervain or simpler’s joy.
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Q: Do you cut back verbena Bampton?
A: For best results, grow Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora ‘Bampton’ in full sun, in moist, well-drained soil. Leave the old stems and seedheads on for winter interest, then cut right back in early spring as the new shoots are emerging.
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Q: What is the difference between lantana and verbena?
A: First, lantana plants grow as evergreen shrubs while verbena plants are herbaceous perennials, meaning they lack a woody stalk. Additionally, while their flowers look mostly similar, lantanas will bloom year-round in contrast to verbenas that only bloom in the summer and fall.
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Q: Will verbena grow back every year?
A: Yes, all verbenas are perennial, but some are grown as annuals as they are not hardy in our climate and are so easy to propagate from cuttings or seed.
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Q: Where is the best place to plant verbena?
A: PLANTING & CARING FOR VERBENAHow to plant: Choose a site with good air circulation that receives at least 6-8 hours of full sun a day. … Soil: Verbena thrives in soil amended with compost, but can adapt to many soil types as long as there is good drainage.
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Q: Should verbena be cut back?
A: Trim Verbena in the spring to remove dead or overgrown sections. Verbena can be pruned throughout the growing season to maintain a consistent look. Do not cut back more than one-third of the plant. Verbena can recover from a slight trim, but removing more could stunt the growth.
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Q: How long do verbena plants last?
A: Delivery options. This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring. Tightly packed clusters of lilac-purple flowers top the tall branching stems from June to September.
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Q: Will verbena reseed itself?
A: Verbena bonariensis can reseed prolifically. Outdoors, don’t disturb the soil too much in spring if you want the volunteer seedlings. Seedlings take a while to germinate, especially in our colder climate (they may not appear until as late as June).
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Q: Does verbena attract bugs?
A: Verbenas attract butterflies and produce clusters of small, tube-like flowers with 5 petals, generally in the summer. Flower colors include purple, white, pink, red, and blue.
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About the author

Samuel is a gardening professional and enthusiast who has spent over 20 years advising homeowners and farm owners on weed identification, prevention and removal. He has an undergraduate degree in plant and soil science from Michigan State University.