Verbena stricta, commonly known as Hoary Vervain, is a native perennial wildflower found in prairies, savannas, roadsides, and dry open fields throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and full sun, making it well-suited to dry, disturbed areas and native plant gardens aiming for drought tolerance and ecological value.
This upright plant features square stems and oblong, fuzzy gray-green leaves covered in fine hairs—giving it a “hoary” or silvery appearance. From early to late summer, it produces tall spikes of small, tubular purple to lavender flowers that bloom gradually from the bottom upward. Plants typically grows up to 3.5 feet tall and form loose clumps with an airy texture.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Verbena stricta is a tough, beautiful, and ecologically important addition to prairie restorations, pollinator gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes. Its flowers attract a variety of bees, butterflies, and skippers, while birds like finches eat the seeds in late summer and fall. Hoary Vervain pairs well with other dry-loving natives like Black-Eyed Susan, Little Bluestem, and Butterfly Weed, contributing to both biodiversity and vibrant color in native plantings.
Verbena stricta, commonly known as Hoary Vervain, is a native perennial wildflower found in prairies, savannas, roadsides, and dry open fields throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and full sun, making it well-suited to dry, disturbed areas and native plant gardens aiming for drought tolerance and ecological value.
This upright plant features square stems and oblong, fuzzy gray-green leaves covered in fine hairs—giving it a “hoary” or silvery appearance. From early to late summer, it produces tall spikes of small, tubular purple to lavender flowers that bloom gradually from the bottom upward. Plants typically grows up to 3.5 feet tall and form loose clumps with an airy texture.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Verbena stricta is a tough, beautiful, and ecologically important addition to prairie restorations, pollinator gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes. Its flowers attract a variety of bees, butterflies, and skippers, while birds like finches eat the seeds in late summer and fall. Hoary Vervain pairs well with other dry-loving natives like Black-Eyed Susan, Little Bluestem, and Butterfly Weed, contributing to both biodiversity and vibrant color in native plantings.
Bloom: mid- to late summer
Habitats: abandoned fields; areas along railroads; barrens with stunted shrubby vegetation; gravel prairies; limestone glades; overgrazed pastures; the grassy shoulders of highway overpasses; upland prairies
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic to dry
Plant type (height): forb (up to 3.5 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: poor soil containing some clay, gravel, or sand
