Verbena urticifolia, commonly known as White Vervain, is a native perennial wildflower found in woodlands, prairies, and along roadsides throughout Illinois. It thrives in medium to moist soils and prefers partial to full sun, often growing in disturbed areas and along woodland edges.
This plant grows 3 to 6 feet tall and produces delicate, slender spikes of small white flowers from mid to late summer. While not as showy as some other vervain species, its flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Its seeds also provide food for birds and small mammals.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Verbena urticifolia is a valuable addition to naturalized areas, woodland gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings. It pairs well with other shade-tolerant natives like Wild Bergamot, Great Blue Lobelia, and Joe-Pye Weed. Its adaptability to different soil conditions makes it a hardy and low-maintenance choice for native landscapes.
Verbena urticifolia, commonly known as White Vervain, is a native perennial wildflower found in woodlands, prairies, and along roadsides throughout Illinois. It thrives in medium to moist soils and prefers partial to full sun, often growing in disturbed areas and along woodland edges.
This plant grows 3 to 6 feet tall and produces delicate, slender spikes of small white flowers from mid to late summer. While not as showy as some other vervain species, its flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Its seeds also provide food for birds and small mammals.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Verbena urticifolia is a valuable addition to naturalized areas, woodland gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings. It pairs well with other shade-tolerant natives like Wild Bergamot, Great Blue Lobelia, and Joe-Pye Weed. Its adaptability to different soil conditions makes it a hardy and low-maintenance choice for native landscapes.
Bloom: mid-summer to early fall
Habitats: abandoned fields; damp meadows along streams; gravelly seeps; open disturbed woodlands; powerline clearances in wooded areas; semi-shaded areas along paths; thickets; woodland borders
Lifespan: annual; biennial
Moisture: moist to mesic
Plant type (height): forb (3 to 6 feet)
Requirements: partial sun
Soil: clay-loam; fertile loam; silt-loam
