Verbena halei Small

Texas Vervain

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Texas Vervain is a native herbaceous short-lived perennial or annual in the Verbena family (Verbenaceae). It can be found in the southern half of Alabama. Texas Vervain grows on roadsides, along railroad tracks, in vacant lots, in pastures, and in disturbed woodlands. It develops from a tap root. In early development a basal rosette of spathulate, ovate to oblong-ovate leaves develop. The margins of these leaves are toothed or incised. Late in the season, basal leaves may be absent. One to three square stems develop from these rosettes. The stems are from 10-18 inches in height and branched above. Stem leaves are reduced in size upwards. Lower stem leaves are 1-2 pinnatifid while those near the top of the stems are linear and bract-like. Both the stems and leaves are pubescent with scattered hairs. Flowers are produced in spikes that are arranged in panicles. Flower color is usually pale blue but purple-blue, pink, or white flowered individuals may be encountered. Individual flowers are 5-lobed and resemble small gingerbread men. The fruit is a nutlet.--A. Diamond

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Native

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