Verbena brasiliensis
Brazilian vervain
Overview
Verbena brasiliensis, Brazilian vervain, is an upright, short-lived perennial or annual in the vervain family, growing 3-6 feet (90-180 cm) tall on stiff, square, rough-hairy stems. The narrow, toothed leaves are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long and clasp the stem in opposite pairs. From summer into fall the branched stem tips carry small, tight clusters of tiny lavender to pale purple flowers, each about 0.1 inch (2-3 mm) across. It flowers heavily and self-sows freely, producing large numbers of seed. Native to South America, it has naturalized across the southeastern United States and other warm regions, where it spreads on roadsides, pastures, and disturbed ground and is treated as a weed. It tolerates heat, drought, and poor soil but is short-lived and depends on reseeding to persist. Its open, airy flower clusters draw butterflies and other pollinators, though its weedy spread limits its garden use. V. brasiliensis is sometimes left in informal pollinator plantings, though it is more often managed as an invasive.
Native Range
Verbena brasiliensis is native to South America, including Brazil, Argentina, and neighboring countries. It has naturalized across the southeastern and southern United States, as well as parts of Asia, Africa, and Australia. It grows on roadsides, pastures, fields, and other disturbed open ground.Suggested Uses
Verbena brasiliensis draws butterflies, bees, and other pollinators and is sometimes tolerated in informal meadow or pollinator plantings. Across most of its naturalized range it is treated as an invasive weed rather than a garden plant. Land managers target it for control on pastures and disturbed land.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Lavender to pale 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