Blue Vervain
Verbena hastata
PLANT NAME
Blue Vervain
COMMON NAMES
Swamp Verbena, American Vervain, Simpler's Joy
BOTANICAL NAME
Verbena hastata
IDENTIFICATION
A tall, slender perennial with opposite, lance-shaped, serrated leaves and multiple pencil-like spikes of tiny, purplish-blue flowers at the top of the plant.
IDENTIFICATION IMAGE
AI ART TO BE GENERATED
PARTS TRADITIONALLY USED
Aerial parts (leaves and flowers).
CULINARY USES
INFORMATION NOT RELIABLY ESTABLISHED. Extremely bitter; not used as food.
TRADITIONAL USES
Traditionally used as a strong nervine, diaphoretic, and bitter digestive tonic. Valued by herbalists for relieving tension, stress, headaches, and easing anxiety, especially in "type A" personalities. Also used to stimulate sweating in early fevers.
GROWING / HARVESTING
Native to North America. Flourishes in moist meadows, swamps, and along stream banks. Harvested when the plant is in early to mid-bloom.
SAFETY / CAUTION
Always consult your doctor. The strong bitterness can cause nausea in large doses. Avoid use during pregnancy as it may stimulate the uterus.
RELATED PLANTS
Common Vervain (Verbena officinalis).