Blue Vervain
Verbena hastata
Blue vervain is a tall, stately native perennial of North American wetlands and meadows, known for its elegant candelabra-like spires of tiny violet-blue flowers, its rich ethnobotanical history, and its outstanding value for native pollinators and songbirds.
Verbenaceae (Vervain family)
Mid-summer to fall (July–September); long blooming season with spikes opening sequentially
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Cultural Significance
Vervain has one of the most ancient and storied symbolic histories of any plant. In the Victorian language of flowers, verbena carried the dual meaning of enchantment and sensibility. Across European cultures, vervain was considered a sacred herb linked to divine forces, healing, and protection from evil — called "holy herb" in early Christian tradition and "tears of Isis" in ancient Egypt. In North America, blue vervain (V. hastata) was used extensively by Indigenous peoples as medicine and holds a respected place in both ethnobotany and modern native plant gardening.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; best flowering and tallest growth in full sun
Water
Moderate to high; prefers consistently moist soil; excellent choice for rain gardens and pond margins
Soil
Moist to wet, Loamy, Clay-tolerant, Fertile, Will tolerate average garden soil with supplemental watering
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in moist to wet soil; will tolerate drier conditions if watered regularly during establishment
Spreads by rhizomes and self-seeds — give it space and allow colonies to form naturally
Cut back to ground level in early spring before new growth emerges
Excellent companion for Joe-pye weed, swamp milkweed, and cardinal flower in wet garden settings
Leave seed heads standing through winter to provide food for sparrows, cardinals, and dark-eyed juncos
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Rain gardens and wet meadow plantings
- Stream bank and pond margin naturalization
- Native plant borders and wildlife gardens
- Vertical accent plant in mixed perennial borders
- Meadow seed mixes for moist sites
Traditional Uses
- Widely used in Native American traditional medicine for fever, stomach ailments, and as a general tonic by numerous peoples across North America
- Contains verbenalin, verbascoside, and other compounds; historically used by herbalists for anxiety and nervous tension
- Note: pregnant women should avoid medicinal use of vervain species, as they may stimulate uterine contractions
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Blue Vervain
What does blue vervain symbolize?
Blue vervain symbolizes enchantment, healing, and spiritual protection — meanings rooted in its centuries-long use as a sacred herb in European, Egyptian, and Native American traditions. In the Victorian language of flowers, verbena represented enchantment and sensibility.
Is blue vervain the same as common vervain?
No. Blue vervain (Verbena hastata) is a North American native species found in wetlands and moist meadows. Common vervain (Verbena officinalis) is a European species. Both share some cultural and medicinal history, but they are distinct plants with different native ranges and growth habits.
What is blue vervain used for medicinally?
Blue vervain has a long history of use in Native American and folk herbal medicine for fever, nervous tension, anxiety, and digestive complaints. It contains compounds including verbenalin and verbascoside. However, it should be used with caution and is not recommended during pregnancy.
Is blue vervain a good plant for wildlife?
Yes, blue vervain is an exceptional wildlife plant. Its flowers provide nectar for native bees, butterflies, and specialist bee species, while its abundant seeds are eaten by songbirds including cardinals, swamp sparrows, field sparrows, and dark-eyed juncos through fall and winter.
Does blue vervain grow in dry soil?
Blue vervain is primarily a wetland and moist-meadow plant that strongly prefers consistently moist or wet soil. While it can tolerate average garden conditions with regular watering, it will not thrive in hot, dry sites and performs best at pond edges, in rain gardens, or in damp borders.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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