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Verbena officinalis
  • Vervain

a perennial member of the Verbena genus in the family Verbenaceae.

248px
Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • no shade
    No shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 4
    Zone 4
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Verbena officinalis has 0 edible uses listed
Verbena officinalis has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Leaves - parboiled, seasoned and then eaten[1].

The leaves are used as a tea substitute[2][1].

The flowers are used as a garnish[1].

Flowers

Unknown use

Leaves

Unknown use

Unknown part

Tea

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Verbena officinalis.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Vervain, which has tonic and restorative properties, is sometimes used as a domestic herbal remedy. It is useful when taken internally in the treatment of headaches, fevers, nervous exhaustion, depression, gall bladder problems, insufficient lactation etc[3][4]. It should not be given to pregnant women, though it can be used to assist contractions during labour[4]. Externally, it is used to treat minor injuries, eczema, sores, neuralgia and gum disease[4].

The leaves and flowering stems are analgesic, antibacterial, anticoagulant, antispasmodic, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, mildly diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, stimulant, tonic and vulnerary[3][5][6][7][8][9][10][4]. The plant is harvested as flowering begins in the summer and dried for later use[2][4]. Some remarkable results have been obtained when using this plant in the treatment of certain tumours, but further research needs to be carried out before definite claims can be made[2]. The root is astringent, it is used in the treatment of dysentery[10]. This species was ranked 12th in a Chinese survey of 250 potential antifertility plants[10].

The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Strain', 'Stress', 'Tension' and 'Over-enthusiasm'[11].

Unknown part

Analgesic
Antibacterial
Anticoagulant
Antispasmodic
Antitumor
Astringent
Bach
Birthing aid
Depurative
Diaphoretic
Diuretic
Emmenagogue
Galactogogue
Stimulant
Tonic
Vulnerary

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within 3 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer.

If you have sufficient seed, it can also be sown in situ in late spring. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

Basal cuttings in early summer. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Verbena officinalis. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

A very easily grown plant, it succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained but moisture retentive soil in a sunny position[12][13]. Plants are very tolerant of neglect and will maintain themselves for a number of years even when growing in dense weed competition[K].

Self-sows freely when growing in a suitable position[K].

The growing plant attracts butterflies and moths[14].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Verbena officinalis. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Verbena officinalis.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Verbena officinalis
Genus
Verbena
Family
Verbenaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1][2]
Medicinal uses
[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][2][11]
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
[15][13]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
4
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
  • Strong wind
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
?
Herbaceous or Woody
?
Life Cycle
perennial
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
0.6 x 0.5 meters
Fertility
self fertile
Pollinators
Bees, Flies, Lepidoptera, Self
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type
hermaphrodite

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"image:Verbena officinalis1pl.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Verbena officinalis1pl.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


"image:Verbena officinalis1pl.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Verbena officinalis1pl.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Verbena officinalis1pl.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Verbena officinalis1pl.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Verbena officinalis1pl.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Verbena officinalis1pl.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Verbena officinalis1pl.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Verbena officinalis1pl.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Verbena officinalis1pl.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Verbena officinalis1pl.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki."image:Verbena officinalis1pl.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






References

  1. ? 1.01.11.21.3 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.4 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.13.2 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.44.5 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.1 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.1 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.1 ? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X ()
  8. ? 8.08.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
  9. ? 9.09.1 Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles (1985-00-00)
  10. ? 10.010.110.210.3 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
  11. ? 11.011.1 Chancellor. P. M. Handbook of the Bach Flower Remedies C. W. Daniel Co. Ltd. ISBN 85207 002 0 (1985-00-00)
  12. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  13. ? 13.013.1 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  14. ? Carter D. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe. Pan ISBN 0-330-26642-x (1982-00-00)
  15. ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)

"image:Verbena officinalis1pl.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

Retrieved from "https://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Verbena_officinalis&oldid=81601"
Facts about "Verbena officinalis"RDF feed
Article is incompleteYes +
Article requires citationsNo +
Article requires cleanupYes +
Belongs to familyVerbenaceae +
Belongs to genusVerbena +
Has common nameVervain +
Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
Has edible partFlowers +, Leaves + and Unknown part +
Has edible useUnknown use + and Tea +
Has environmental toleranceHigh wind +
Has fertility typeSelf fertile +, Bee +, Flies +, Lepidoptera + and Self +
Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
Has hardiness zone4 +
Has imageVerbena officinalis1pl.jpg +
Has lifecycle typePerennial +
Has mature height0.6 +
Has mature width0.5 +
Has medicinal partUnknown part +
Has medicinal useAnalgesic +, Antibacterial +, Anticoagulant +, Antispasmodic +, Antitumor +, Astringent +, Bach +, Birthing aid +, Depurative +, Diaphoretic +, Diuretic +, Emmenagogue +, Galactogogue +, Stimulant +, Tonic + and Vulnerary +
Has primary imageVerbena officinalis1pl.jpg +
Has search nameverbena officinalis + and x +
Has shade toleranceNo shade +
Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
Has soil teclayture preferenceClay +
Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
Has sun preferenceFull sun +
Has taxonomy nameVerbena officinalis +
Has water requirementsmoderate +
Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
Tolerates windYes +
Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +