Verbena rigida Spreng.

Stiff Verbena; Tuberous Vervain; Rigid Verbena

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Stiff Verbena is an introduced perennial herbaceous species in the Verbena family (Verbenaceae). It is native to Brazil and Argentina. In Alabama it can be found statewide but is less common in the northern third of the state. Stiff Verbena occurs on roadsides, in pastures and fields, along railroads, and in other open disturbed habitats. It is a perennial with long thin underground stolons. Stems are erect, 1-2 feet in height, green in color, 4-angled, and pubescent. The stems are branched above the middle. Leaves are opposite, sessile, and clasp the stem. The leaves are lanceolate to oblanceolate in outline, serrate, and rough pubescent. Flowers are produced in dense spikes arranged in terminal panicles. Each flower is subtended by purplish bracts that are as long as or longer than the calyx. The calyx is 5-lobed. The corolla is salverform with 5 spreading lobes and is a vivid purple color. The flowers are fragrant. The fruit is a schizocarp composed of 4 oblong mericarps. Stiff Verbena is available from many nurseries as both seed and plants. It prefers a well-draining soil in full sun. Several horticultural variants have been developed including “Santos” and “Polaris”. It is drought tolerant and has an extended blooming period. It is often used for mass planting, ground cover and for flower arrangements.—A. Diamond

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Not Native

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