Verbena bonariensis L. - Purpletop Vervain
Family - Verbenaceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
Flowers:
Flowering - April - October.
Habitat - Disturbed sites, waste places, roadsides, old homesites. Escaped from cultivation.
Origin - Native to tropical America.
Other information - This attractive yet weedy species can be found scattered throughout much of Alabama. The plant can be identified by its tall, hairy, 4-angled stems, thin, scabrous leaves, and capitate clusters of tiny purple flowers. This species is a favorite for butterfly gardeners.
The genus name Verbena is of an obscure derivation but is used to describe any plant used as a healing or sacred herb. The stems of Verbenas were made into wreaths for ritual and healing.
The species epithet bonariensis means "of Buenos Aires" from the Latin "ens(e)(is)" meaning "of, belonging to" for the plants tropical origin.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken in Athens, GA., 5-29-05.