White Vervain (Verbena urticifolia) 

White Vervain (Verbena urticifolia)

Verbena urticifolia, more commonly known as White Vervain, or Nettle-leaved Vervain is a native herbaceous plant hailing from the mighty Verbenaceae family.

White Vervain has opposite and simple leaves on thin, rigid, green stems. The serrated leaves look similar to those of the Nettle family, which is the reason for the plant being scientifically named urticifolia.

The small flowers are borne in elongated and wispy spikes which open in early summer, well into mid fall. The majority of native verbena are normally bluish-purple flowered, but this dynamic genus is white.

The fruit is a dark-colored capsule with many brown and thin seeds. The entire plant except for the flowers and fruit is covered in stiff but harmless bristles.

White vervain is commonly found growing individually in disturbed areas with partial shade. It prefers Medium-Wet and Medium soil habitats. It will however, happily grow in full sun.

This plant is medicinal and edible and has enjoyed wide lore in both arenas with many dominant cultures where it has been found. Called the “Herb of Grace" by many it was notably used in the Revolutionary War for its multiple beneficial compounds. Some of its benefits include antitumor effects, nerve cell protection, anxiety- and convulsion-reducing properties, and antimicrobial activity.

Indigenous Americans used this plant for digestive issues, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, gout & jaundice, headaches, insomnia, anxiety & depression, and also was known to improve lactation. White Vervain is also considered an astringent, a bitter digestive tonic, and a diuretic.

The teeny white flowers are sought out by many native bees, butterflies and moths.

It is a host plant for the Verbena Moth, Flea Beetle larvae, and the Vervain Leaf Midge.

This plant is loved by native songbirds for its nutritional seeds!

This plant is considered present but rare in several counties of the state of Maine.

Plant Details

USDA Zones: 4-9

Germination Needs: 60 Days Cold Stratification

Life Cycle: Perennial

Sun Exposure: Full Sun / Partial Shade/ Shade

Soil Moisture: Medium-Wet, Medium

Plant Spacing: 1½ - 2 feet

Height: 5 feet

Bloom time: June, July, August, September, October

Bloom Color: White

Advantages :

Pollinator Favorite: butterflies, moths, bees, wasps, beetles

Bird Favorite: seeds, insects, fruit, nectar, nesting, perchs.

Deer Resistant: Yes

Native to or present in: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Arizona.

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Packet quantities:

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