Vervain, Hoary

Vervain, Hoary (Verbena stricta)
Also known as Hoary Vervain or Woolly Vervain

Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta) is a drought-tolerant, upright native perennial recognized for its violet-purple flower spikes, fuzzy gray-green foliage, and its value to pollinators and seed-eating birds. Common in dry prairies, glades, and open meadows, this hardy wildflower thrives in full sun and poor soils, making it an excellent addition to restoration plantings, dry slopes, pollinator strips, and native gardens. Its long bloom period and resilience under tough conditions make it a favorite among native plant enthusiasts and ecological designers.

Key Characteristics

• Long-Blooming Nectar Source for Pollinators
  From June through September, Hoary Vervain produces tall spikes of purple-violet flowers that bloom progressively from bottom to top. It attracts a wide range of native bees, bumble bees, butterflies (especially skippers), and beneficial wasps, offering extended nectar availability in dry environments.

• Host Plant for Common Buckeye Butterflies
  Hoary Vervain is a larval host plant for the Common Buckeye butterfly (Junonia coenia), whose caterpillars feed on its foliage. Including this plant helps support the full butterfly life cycle in native and pollinator gardens.

• Fuzzy Leaves and Upright Form for Texture and Toughness
  Its soft, hairy leaves help conserve moisture and deter herbivory, while its stiff, upright stems (2–4 feet tall) provide architectural form in mixed native plantings. It combines well with grasses like Little Bluestem and wildflowers such as black-eyed Susan or echinacea.

• Drought Tolerant and Thrives in Poor Soil
  Native to dry, rocky prairies, Hoary Vervain prefers dry to medium, well-drained soils and is extremely drought tolerant once established. It is ideal for xeriscaping, dry meadow restorations, and low-input wildflower gardens.

• Provides Seeds for Birds in Fall and Winter
  After flowering, Hoary Vervain produces small nutlets that persist into winter, providing an important seed source for finches and other small birds.

Product Details

• Native Range: Central and eastern U.S.
• Plant Life Cycle: Perennial
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Dry to medium, well-drained soil
• Mature Height: 2–4 feet
• Bloom Time: June–September
• Bloom Color: Purple-violet
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8

Hoary Vervain is a resilient, wildlife-friendly native that brings beauty and ecological value to dry landscapes, native gardens, and restoration projects.