Glandularia (Verbena) bipinnatifida

 
Latin Name: Glandularia (Verbena) bipinnatifida
Common Name: Prairie Verbena, Purple Prairie Verbena, Dakota Vervain
Mature Height (ft): 8-12"
Mature Width: 12-18"

Mature Shape

Low rounded.
Mulch: Inorganic.

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Remarks

Prairie verbena is one of my favorite plants, it is one of the first to bloom in the spring and one of the last to be affected by freezes in the fall. Small in stature, but it has my respect for giving so much with so little given (from me) in return. It's short lived, maybe just one year or three. Green, finely cut hairy leaves, with several branched stems that put on clusters of tiny lavender, purple, violet or pink flowers. Blooms from spring to fall. Readily reseeds, not invasively so. Its volunteer seedlings are easy to dig up and transplant.

Known mostly as a prairie plant, it actually covers a wide range of diverse terrain. Prairie verbena can be found growing throughout most of Texas, north into Oklahoma through to South Dakota, south to Alabama and west into New Mexico, Arizona and into Northern Mexico, in open grasslands in most soil types. Will tolerate part shade. Glandularia bipinnatifida is often referred to as Verbena bipinnatifida or V. gooddingii and is a member of the verbena family.

 

 

Use in Garden

Prairie verbena should be in every xeric, native plant, cactus garden or xeristrip. Seeds should be included in prairie mixes with native grasses.
Prairie verbena combines well with chocolate flower, California poppies, salvias, gaillardias, most of our native sundrops -- Oenotheras and Calylophus species.
A good plant in the far corner of the garden a hose doesn't reach.

Maintenance

Virtually no maintenance, but I think it appreciates good thoughts as you admire it every day. If you're the pruning type, snip it back in mid summer for a tidier look and increased blooms in the fall.