Verbena urticifolia - White Vervain

Sizes available: TBD

Basics: zones 3-8, 5' x 1', sun to part shade, tiny white flowers bloom in an open, lax candelabra form at the top of tall plants in the summer, prefers a medium-wet to medium moisture situation

Common names: White Vervain

Family: Verbenaceae

Origin/Distribution: Present in all of North America except the west. Native to Maine.

Habitat: Found on the forest edge, on floodplains and other disturbed sites, meadows, fields, roadsides

More: The blooms are reminiscent of a stylized firework and this plant will be beautiful blooming en masse in front of a dark edge or hedge. I think it will also look beautiful popping up among a lower planting. I like the challenge of designing with this type of plant. Some gardeners may find what some call a weedy look disturbing, but in my view setting can help me appreciate a plants qualities anew. This is a short-lived perennial that can also act as a biennial or even an annual, so let it seed around. This verbena has been used medicinally and is a larval host (more specifics to follow). Deer resistant. Maybe a sweet detail in a bouquet? The genus Verbena has a long cultural association with humans. Let's not let that pass into the mists. 

Source: sown at Honey Petal Plants with seed from Prairie Moon Nursery or Toadshade Wildflower Farm

Image credits: courtesy of Prairie Moon Nursery