Vervain - Herbaceous Plant

Vervain Alternative Names

Purple-topped Dragon Bud Grass, Wild Schizonepeta, Dragon Bud Grass, Phoenix Neck Grass, Dragonfly Grass, Blood-Retreating Grass, Swallowtail Grass, Latin scientific name HerbaVerbenaeOfficinalis

Vervain Family and Genus

Verbenaceae

Vervain Distribution Area

Southwest China, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Xinjiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Fujian

Vervain Morphological Characteristics

Vervain is a perennial herbaceous plant. Because its whip-like sheath is spike-shaped, it is also called vervain. The stem of vervain is square, square in the upper part and nearly round in the lower part, with short stiff hairs on the ridges and nodes. The leaves are simple and opposite, ovate, with deep divisions similar to chicken claws; the lobes show irregular pinnate division, and both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves are covered with stiff hairs, with the hairs on the veins of the lower surface being especially dense.

The flowers of vervain are blue-purple spike-shaped inflorescences, generally opening in summer and autumn; the calyx is membranous and tubular, with the top divided into 5 lobes like chicken claws; the fruit of vervain is enclosed within the calyx and splits open into 4 small nutlets when mature; the flowering period of vervain is 7-8 months, and the fruiting period is 10-11 months.

Vervain Growth Habits

Vervain likes fertilizer and can grow in ordinary soil, but grows robustly in deep, fertile sandy loam; low-lying, easily waterlogged land is not suitable for planting. Vervain likes a moist environment but is afraid of waterlogging, so when watering, avoid water accumulation in the pot. Choose loam or sandy loam with a relatively thick soil layer as the planting site. Sow seeds from late 4 month to early 5 month. Prevent weed infestation and keep the field free of weeds. Long-term heavy water accumulation in the field can cause root rot, which can be avoided as long as drainage and loosening of the soil are carried out in time.

Vervain Flower Language

Justice and expectation. White vervain symbolizes purity and innocence, and the expectation that one's love will return. Red vervain symbolizes working together with one heart and harmony in the family bringing prosperity in all endeavors.

Vervain Symbolic Meaning

Vervain is regarded as a sacred flower in Christianity. In medieval legends, it had the power to break spells, and it was often used to decorate altars of religious significance. In many literary and artistic works, there are descriptions of vervain restraining vampires.

Vervain Forecasts Weather

Wild vervain can forecast weather. Vervain is very sensitive to humidity. When the roots exposed outside the soil become moldy and take on a white color, it indicates rain.