Verbena bracteata
bigbract verbena
Overview
Verbena bracteata is a low, sprawling annual or short-lived perennial growing 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) tall and spreading 6-24 inches (15-60 cm) wide in flat, branching mats. The stems and deeply lobed, coarsely toothed leaves are rough with stiff hairs. Small flowers, about 0.1-0.2 inch (3-5 mm) wide, are pale blue to lavender or purple and nearly hidden among conspicuous leaf-like bracts that crowd the dense flower spikes. Bloom runs from late spring through autumn, opening a few flowers at a time along the lengthening spikes. The fruit splits into four small nutlets. It grows in compacted, disturbed ground such as paths, driveways, gravel lots, and overgrazed fields, tolerating heat, drought, and poor soil. Native to much of North America, it behaves as a pioneer weed of bare, trampled sites. Its prostrate, mat-forming habit and rough texture make it tolerant of foot traffic. Rich soil and shade reduce its spread.
Native Range
Verbena bracteata is native to much of North America, from southern Canada through the United States into Mexico. It grows in disturbed, compacted ground such as roadsides, paths, vacant lots, pastures, and trampled open areas, from sea level into the mountains.Suggested Uses
Rarely planted by choice, it is sometimes used as a tough groundcover on bare, compacted, or gravelly sites where little else grows. It stabilizes disturbed soil and tolerates foot traffic. The small flowers draw bees and other small pollinators.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread6" - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pale blue to purpleFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight