Short, slender perennial with single stems or with upper stems sparingly branched. Stems 4-angled. Flowers on single spikes with many small, deep lavender or purple flowers. Blooms May–September. Leaves opposite, narrow, oblong, sessile or nearly so, coarsely toothed (other Missouri Verbena species have broader leaves).
Similar species: There are 7 Verbena species in Missouri, 5 with a wide distribution. This species is separated from the others by its narrowly lance-shaped, stalkless leaves, tall, thin flower spikes, and upright habit.
Height: to about 1½ feet.
Statewide except northeastern corner.
Habitat and Conservation
Occurs in glades, prairies, pastures and fields, waste places, rights-of-way, and other open, dry, or disturbed habitats.
Human Connections
Worldwide, various species of vervains have historically been used medicinally. Some species are cultivated in native wildflower gardens, partly for their showy flowers and partly for their attractiveness to butterflies.
Ecosystem Connections
Several types of bees, butterflies, and other insects visit the flowers. Verbenas are larval host plants for at least one moth species. Narrow-leaved verbena has been declared endangered in some New England states, which are trying to keep it from disappearing from within their borders.
