Appearance

Growth form

This upright plant usually reaches 2–5 ft (0.6–1.5 m) in U.S. gardens. Its wiry, square stems are rough to the touch.

Leaves

Opposite, narrow leaves have toothed edges and are concentrated near the lower part of the plant. Upper leaves are sparse.

Flowers

Tiny purple tubular flowers form dense, rounded clusters about 1–3 in (2.5–7.6 cm) across.

Flowering time

It blooms through summer and fall in much of the United States.

Fruit

The flowers are followed by small brown seed-bearing fruits.

Look-alikes

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• sunny gardens
• naturalized areas

Range

In the United States it is naturalized from North Carolina south to Florida and west to Texas. It is also grown as an ornamental farther north.

Preferred conditions

It prefers full sun and well-drained soil but tolerates many soil types and occasional dry conditions. It is generally hardy in USDA zones 7–11 and is grown as an annual in colder areas.

Growing it

Propagation

It grows readily from seed and often produces volunteer seedlings around gardens.

Connected species

Ties with other wildlife

American goldfinches may eat the seeds in late summer and winter.

Pollinators

The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in U.S. gardens.

Pollinators

• butterfliesPapilionoidea

  Butterflies visit the flowers for nectar and can carry pollen between blooms.

• beesAnthophila

  Bees visit the flowers and can carry pollen between blooms.

• hummingbirdsTrochilidae

  Hummingbirds visit the flowers and can carry pollen between blooms.

Name and classification

About the name

Also called purpletop vervain.

Varieties and forms

The garden selection 'Lollipop' stays about 20–24 in (50–60 cm) tall, much shorter than the usual form.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

NENot Evaluated·Not yet assessed

Threats

It can become weedy in warm climates. Keep seedlings from spreading into natural areas.