Common Name: Hoary Vervain
Family: Verbenaceae
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Hardiness Zones: 3–9
Height: 2.0 to 4.0 feet
Spread: 1.0 to 2.0 feet
Bloom Time: June to September
Bloom Description: Lavender to purple spikes
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Water Needs: Low to medium
Soil Preference: Well-drained, sandy, loamy, or rocky soils; drought-tolerant
Maintenance Level: Low
Suggested Use: Prairies, pollinator gardens, restoration projects
Attracts: Bees, butterflies, native pollinators, birds (seed heads)
Tolerates: Drought, deer, poor soil, dry slopes
Notable Features: Long bloom period, coarse texture, important wildlife value
Native Range:
Native to the Great Plains, Midwest, and eastern U.S., including Nebraska, where it is common in dry prairies, roadsides, pastures, and disturbed areas.
Nebraska Growing Notes:
Exceptionally well-suited to hot, dry Nebraska conditions. Thrives in sunny, low-input landscapes and is a top choice for prairie restorations and native pollinator plantings.
Landscape Use:
Ideal for prairie gardens, dry meadow plantings, or native borders. Adds vertical structure and wildlife value. Attractive even when dry seed heads remain into winter.
Caution:
Can self-seed freely in ideal conditions, though not aggressively. Foliage has a rough, hoary texture, somewhat coarse for refined garden settings, but perfect for native-focused areas.
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