Vervain

Description:

Upright, rather smooth, delicate, slender-branched perennial to 2 1/2 feet. Bluish lavender, lilac, or rarely white flower. Numerous flowers on long, slender spikes. Square stems.

Habitat:

Various soils.

Notes:

Vervain (verbena officinalis) is native to the Mediterranean region, but early spread throughout Eurasia. It was brought to North America by the Puritans, and is now nearly as common here as the native American Verbena species. Vervain has been considered an important medical herb and a charm against witches in the past. There is evidence that the plant is effective as a diuretic, gout remedy, and anorexic (appetite suppressant).