White Vervain – 8/18/20

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 8/18/20

Observation Time: 11:50 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (formerly the Kendall Estate)

Common Name: White Vervain

Scientific Name: Verbena urticifolia

Comments: I initially identified this plant using a cool app called Seek. Normally white vervain has green leaves, so I sent my photo of this red-leaved specimen to a botanist, who verified that it is indeed white vervain.

The name vervain is derived from the Celtic ferfaen, that is from fer (to drive away) and from faen (a stone). In early times the plant was used for afflictions of the bladder, such as kidney stones. The species name, urticifolia, means it has nettle-like leaves.

More Information: Friends of the Wildflower Garden