What Is Vervain?
Vervain is a perennial herb native to the Old World. Most people are thinking of either Verbena officinalis or Verbena hastata when they think of vervain, and this plant is also sometimes referred to as “verbena.” Several societies have historically used vervain for healing, and it was once a very common feature in herb gardens. Today, people grow it for both medicinal and ornamental use, and many health food stores stock dried forms for people who do not wish to grow their own. The leaves of this herb are saw-toothed and hairy, and it produces small white to purple flowers on delicate spikes. Gardeners can grow this plant in zones three through eight. Vervain likes full sun and well drained, limey soil, and it can also be grown in containers. It can tend to look a little bit weedy and unkempt, which is something that gardeners should consider when they decide where they want to plant this herb. Historically, vervain was associated with Christ, and it was viewed as a holy or auspicious
