Toxic Plant Inconnu - Inadequate information on toxicity found.
Notice: We do not accept seeds that were given before 2025 as they were in fact Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata).
Image of Verbena simplex
Source: Donna Bos

Plant Names

image of Plante à fleurs
Verbena simplex
Narrow-leaved Vervain
Verveine simple

Synonyms

simple vervain

Plant Characteristics

Couleur de floraison: Blanc Bloom Period: Jun - Aug
Hauteur max: 2,0 feet
Max Width: 2,0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light Condition:
Full sun Plus de 6 heures d'ensoleillement par jour
Soil conditions:
Moisture dry Tolère des conditions de sol sec
Lifespan: Vivace des plantes qui reviennent année après année
Gardener Experience:
plant spread by rhizome Spreads by rhizome
plant germinate easy Facile à germer
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape Uses:
rock garden Suitable for rock gardens
row garden Suitable for Right of Way gardens
container suitable Suitable for container garden
school garden Suitable for school gardens
boulevard garden tolerant Tolerates boulevard garden conditions
Ecological Benefits:
Pollinator garden Supports pollinators
butterfly host Butterfly host
Tolerates:
Limestone Tolerant Tolerates limestone conditions
Sand Tolerant Tolerates sandy conditions
Transplantation Tolerant Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:
causes skin rashes This plant causes skin rashes

Seed and plant distribution status

No seeds available for this plant.
Nous acceptions les semences de cette plante

Faits intéressants

Narrow-leaved Vervain forms tidy clumps of narrow, grass-like blue-green leaves. In late spring and early summer, it produces small, vivid blue to violet flowers with yellow centres. Despite its grass-like appearance, it is actually a member of the iris family (Iridaceae). It naturally grows in meadows, open woodlands, clearings, moist prairies, and grassy areas. It prefers average to moist, well-drained soil. It is an excellent choice for the front of a native border, meadow, or naturalized lawn. It forms neat clumps and is generally well behaved. Avoid planting it in areas that remain soggy year-round. It can go somewhat dormant during periods of summer heat or drought and return when conditions improve.

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: Oui

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Verbena simplex
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Bouclier boréal
  • Plaines à forêts mixtes

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Verbena simplex

Specialized Bees Supported by Verbena simplex

No bee data available for this plant.

Complementary Plants

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Sorbaria sorbifolia (False spirea)
  • Aruncus dioicus (Goat's Beard)
  • Lamium (Dead nettle)
  • Astilbe (Astilbe)
  • Lavandula (Lavender)
  • Hesperis matronalis (Dame Rocket)
  • Liatris (Blazing Star Cultivar)

Sowing Information

Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Surface sow
  • Sow by March
  • Stratification duration: 30 days
  • Self-seeding

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: August
  • Harvesting indicator:
    • Pods are brown, seeds are dark, and crisp, and little stem connecting the pod to the main stem is brown (not green)
  • Harvesting:
    • Secouer le porte-graines dans un sac de papier
  • Seed viability test:
    • Pas de test requis avant le don
  • Packaging measure: 1 rounded 1/8 teaspoon
  • Seed storage:
    • Sécher à l'air dans un sac en papier ou contenant ouvert, pour quelques jours jusqu'à sec
    • Secouer de temps à autre pour prévenir la moisissure
  • Cultivar: No, you can donate without knowing the source as there are only straight species
  • Harvesting notes: Please note that in 2025, we partly distributed Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) instead of Narrow-Leaved Vervain (Verbena simplex). Please check your plants before donating. Thanks!
  • Harvesting video: Watch here

Toxicity Notes

Inadequate information on toxicity found.