Narrow-leaf vervain (Verbena simplex, Index Seminum (HBG, Hamburgensis) 1825: 17 (1825))

Family: Verbenaceae

Author: Lehm.

Bibliography: Index Seminum (HBG, Hamburgensis) 1825: 17 (1825)

Year: 1825

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Verbena

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A., NW. Mexico

Description

Narrow-leaf vervain, scientifically known as Verbena simplex, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the family Verbenaceae. Documented as early as 1825 by the notable botanist Lehm. in the “Index Seminum”, this plant has charmed botanists and plant enthusiasts with its delicate beauty and adaptability.

The native range of Narrow-leaf vervain is quite extensive in North America, spanning from the eastern regions of Canada down to North Carolina in the United States, and extending across the eastern United States and reaching as far as the northwestern parts of Mexico. This widespread distribution highlights its adaptability to diverse climatic and soil conditions.

Characterized by its slender, elongated leaves, Verbena simplex is aptly named for its narrow foliage, which differentiates it from other members of the Verbena genus. The leaves, true to its name, present a simple, unadorned elegance. The plant typically flourishes in open, sunny habitats like meadows and prairies, where it can bask in full sunlight and often thrives in well-drained soils.

Narrow-leaf vervain adds a touch of subtle charm to its environment with its small, yet attractive flowers, that appear in clusters. These flowers are not only visually appealing but also serve as a nectar source for a variety of pollinators, playing an integral role in local ecosystems. The vibrant blooms combined with its refined leaf structure make it a desirable addition to naturalistic garden designs and ecological restorations.

Despite its delicate appearance, Verbena simplex is a hardy perennial, capable of enduring the rigors of its native habitats. This resilience, paired with its modest grandeur, secures its place as a notable member of North America’s botanical landscape. Whether observed growing in the wild or cultivated in garden settings, Narrow-leaf vervain continues to be a plant of significant botanical interest and ecological value.

Common Names

Eng: narrow-leaf vervain, narrow-leaved vervain, narrowleaf vervain, simple vervain
Fra: verveine simple
En: Narrow-leaf vervain, Narrowleaf vervain, SIMPLE VERBENA, Narrow-leaved vervain, Simple vervain
Fr: Verveine simple

Synonyms

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2020 by Isabelle pirot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2022 by bryan brunet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2020 by Isabelle pirot (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 9, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 9, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 7, 2015 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 9, 2015 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 9, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken May 9, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 30, 2008 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 18, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:865474-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2925500)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Verbena simplex Lehm.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth