Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) is a tall, elegant perennial wildflower native to North America. Known for its eye-catching spikes of small, violet-blue flowers, Blue Vervain is a favorite among gardeners and pollinators alike. This member of the Verbenaceae family thrives in moist meadows, along streambanks, and in wetlands, making it an excellent choice for naturalizing in areas with consistent moisture. Its upright growth and vivid blooms create a dramatic presence in any garden or restoration project.
 
Blue Vervain blooms from mid-summer to early fall, providing a critical nectar source during a time when many other flowers have finished blooming. Its nectar-rich flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators, including native bees, honeybees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. Additionally, it serves as a host plant for the caterpillars of several moth species, further enhancing its ecological value. The blooms' structure also makes them accessible to a diverse range of insects, ensuring wide pollinator appeal.
 
This adaptable plant prefers full sun to partial shade and grows best in moist, well-drained soils. While it tolerates a variety of soil types, including clay and loam, it thrives in consistently damp environments, making it ideal for rain gardens, wetland edges, and riparian zones. Blue Vervain is easy to grow from seed, requiring cold stratification to break dormancy. Direct sowing in the fall allows the natural winter conditions to prepare the seeds for germination in spring