Family: Verbenaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 20 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Verbena
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: SE. & S. Brazil to S. South America
Description
Argentine vervain, known scientifically as Verbena bonariensis, is a striking plant that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. This enchanting species was first described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work, “Species Plantarum.” Native to southeastern and southern regions of Brazil, as well as parts of southern South America, Argentine vervain is esteemed for its hardy nature and long-lasting blooms, which make it a favorite among gardeners and landscape designers.
Verbena bonariensis possesses a tall, slender silhouette, frequently reaching heights of 3 to 6 feet. The plant boasts erect stems crowned with clusters of delicate, lavender-purple flowers, which attract a myriad of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, thereby enhancing biodiversity in gardens and natural settings.
The plant thrives in well-drained soils and demands minimal maintenance once established, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced horticulturists. Argentine vervain prefers sunny locations and is renowned for its drought tolerance, enabling it to adapt to various climates beyond its native habitat.
In landscape design, Verbena bonariensis is often employed to add vertical interest and a touch of wild elegance. Its airy structure allows it to mingle gracefully with other perennials and ornamental grasses without overwhelming the composition. Additionally, its long blooming period, from early summer to the first frost, ensures a prolonged season of color and visual interest.
Aside from its aesthetic appeal, Argentine vervain is also valued for its ecological contributions. By attracting pollinators, it plays a pivotal role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting the reproduction of various plant species. In some regions, the plant is also utilized in traditional herbal remedies, though it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before using it for medicinal purposes.
In summary, Verbena bonariensis, or Argentine vervain, is a versatile and resilient plant that offers significant visual and ecological benefits. Whether planted in formal gardens, wildflower meadows, or urban green spaces, this enchanting species is sure to make a delightful and enduring addition to any landscape.
Common Names
Eng: argentine vervain, argentinian vervain, cluster-flower verbena, cluster-flower vervain, purpletop, purpletop verbena, purpletop vervain, south american vervain, tall verbena, wild verbena, purple-top vervain, argentina vervain, brazil vervain, butterfly vervain, pretty vervain, tall vervain
Deu: argentinische verbene
Dan: kæmpe-jernurt
Fra: verveine, verveine de buenos aires
Por: jarvão, urgebão
Swe: jätteverbena
Ces: sporýš klasnatý
Spa: verbena
Hun: óriás vasfű
Nld: stijf ijzerhard
Cym: ferfain yr ariannin
En: Argentine vervain, South American vervain, Wild verbena, Tall verbena, Purpletop, Purpletop verbena, Purpletop vervain, Cluster-flower verbena, Cluster-flower vervain, Argentinian Vervain, Purple-top vervain, Argentina Vervain, Brazil vervain, Butterfly vervain, Pretty vervain, Tall vervain, Pretty verbena, Purple top, Purple-topped vervain, Clusterflower vervain
Cs: Sporýš klasnatý
Da: Kæmpe-jernurt
Nl: Stijf ijzerhard
Fr: Verveine, Verveine de Buenos Aires, Verveine sauvage
De: Argentinische Verbene, Argentinisches Eisenkraut
Hu: Óriás vasfű
Ja: Sanjaku-bā-bena
Pt: Jarvão, Urgebão
Es: Verbena, Verbena alta
Sv: Jätteverbena
Cy: Ferfain yr Ariannin
Synonyms
- Verbena bonariensis var. hispida (Moldenke)
- Verbena bonariensis f. robustior (Chodat)
- Verbena inamoena (Briq.)
- Verbena trichotoma (Moench)
- Verbena bonariensis var. longibracteata (Kuntze)
- Verbena elongata (Salisb.)
- Verbena bonariensis var. conglomerata (Briq.)
- Verbena intercedens (Briq.)
- Verbena bonariensis f. albiflora (Moldenke)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Argentina South (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Chile Central (native)
- Chile North (native)
- Chile South (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Angola (introduced)
- Arkansas (introduced)
- Assam (introduced)
- Austria (introduced)
- Azores (introduced)
- Bahamas (introduced)
- Bermuda (introduced)
- Borneo (introduced)
- California (introduced)
- Canary Is. (introduced)
- Cape Provinces (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- East Himalaya (introduced)
- Easter Is. (introduced)
- Fiji (introduced)
- Free State (introduced)
- Georgia (introduced)
- Germany (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Italy (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Kenya (introduced)
- Korea (introduced)
- KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
- Lesotho (introduced)
- Louisiana (introduced)
- Madagascar (introduced)
- Madeira (introduced)
- Malaya (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- Mauritius (introduced)
- Mississippi (introduced)
- Missouri (introduced)
- Mozambique (introduced)
- New Caledonia (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- New Zealand South (introduced)
- Niue (introduced)
- Norfolk Is. (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- Northern Provinces (introduced)
- Northern Territory (introduced)
- Oregon (introduced)
- Pakistan (introduced)
- Portugal (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- Réunion (introduced)
- South Australia (introduced)
- South Carolina (introduced)
- South European Russi (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- St.Helena (introduced)
- Swaziland (introduced)
- Sweden (introduced)
- Tanzania (introduced)
- Tasmania (introduced)
- Tennessee (introduced)
- Tubuai Is. (introduced)
- Victoria (introduced)
- West Himalaya (introduced)
- Western Australia (introduced)
- Zambia (introduced)
- Zaïre (introduced)
- Zimbabwe (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 29, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2019 by Eurico Elli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 4, 2017 by Reinier Feijen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 30, 2022 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 4, 2022 by Caw Vus (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 9, 2020 by Rico Mende (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 24, 2020 by codecas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 17, 2020 by Yann Fichet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 9, 2021 by Jens (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 16, 2022 by Uta Groger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Pour Demos (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 15, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 2, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 26, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Pour Demos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 3, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Irene Aguiar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 26, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Pour Demos (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 25, 2022 by julie la Flamande (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 14, 2019 by Peter Melcher (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 5, 2022 by Else Nolden (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 1, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Corentin Zheng (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 25, 2019 by A. (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2925514)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:286794-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Verbena bonariensis L.)