Plant Profile

Narrow-Leaved Vervain - (Verbena simplex) is a North American native wildflower in the Verbenaceae family that ranges between the central and eastern parts of the US. It is a delicate yet resilient perennial wildflower growing 1–2 feet tall, while thriving in dry, open habitats which provide full sun. It is commonly sighted in gravelly, recently disturbed areas and thrives in sand as long as it's not too acidic. Another thing to note, is that it does not like to compete and will not endure being shaded out so choose your site carefully.

Narrow-Leaved Vervain has petite, pale lavender or white flowers that bloom a few at a time. Its airy growth habit and fine-textured foliage offer a soft contrast to bolder perennials, enhancing the visual appeal of mixed plantings. Although they may not qualify as "showy," the lengthy bloom period is vitally important to many tiny pollinators. 

This plant is a powerhouse when it comes to providing important ecosystem services. It attracts pollinators like native bees, butterflies, and skippers, which are crucial for plant pollination. The seeds of Narrow-Leaved Vervain are also a great food source for small birds. And a final key benefit is that it can grow well in poor, dry soils and helps stabilize soil, preventing erosion in tough areas. Which makes this a great plant for challenging sites and hard to grow areas such as rock gardens or dry hillsides.