Scientific Family
Verbenaceae
Synonyms
Verbena bracteosa, Verbena imbricata
Other common names
bracted vervain
prostrate vervain
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual or perennial
Height
To 5 inches
Riparian
Yes
A low, prostrate weedy plant, much-branched from the base, with hairy stems and pinnately lobed leaves. Dense spikes of lavender
(light purple) to purple flowers occur at branch ends.
Distinguished from other Verbena by its prostrate habit and thick spikes of flowers, at least 2/3 inch across.
Habitat
Roadsides, disturbed ground and pond or lake margins.
Plant Community
Riparian
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
1000
High elevation
7500
Flower Characteristics
The small flowers are to 1/8 inch wide on a broad, hairy spike with many leaf-like bracts. Each flower has 5 petals.
Flower color
Light purple to purple
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
May
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
The leaves are hairy, 3-lobed with jagged edges and to 3 inches long. The square stems are to 16 inches long.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Dark green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Lobed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
4 nutlets, generally oblong.
Fruit type
Nutlet