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Morphology
- Stem
- Generally several from base,widely branched, prostrate or decumbent, rarely erect, 4-25 inches long, stiff-hairy.
- Leaves
- Opposite, numerous, simple, lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, .4 to 2.8 inches long and .25 to 1.2 inch wide, 3-lobed or sometimes pinnately incised, lateral lobes smaller than toothed central lobe, surfaces stiff-hairy.
- Inflorescence
- Spike, terminal, 1 to 8 inches long, 2/5 to 4/5 inch in diameter, often ascending, stiff-hairy; bracts 1/3 to 3/5 inch long, 2-3 times as long as calyx.
- Flower
- Calyx 5-lobed, 1/8 to 1/6 inch long, stiff-hairy; corolla bluish to lavender or purple, 5-lobed, finely pubescent outside; stamens 5, arranged in 2 sets.
- Fruit
- Nutlets 4, linear, 1/12 to 1/10 inch long, yellowish to reddish-brown, each 1-seeded.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Disturbed sites, waste areas, prairies, overgrazed pastures, lawns, and roadsides; all soil types.
- Distribution
- Throughout Kansas.
Practical Information
- Forage Value
- Prostrate vervain is rarely grazed by livestock.
- Uses
- The Navajo used a poultice made from this plant to treat centipede bites.
Additional Notes
Comments
A common weed that will spread rapidly in disturbed areas. Very drought-resistant. The tiny flowers are almost hidden by the conspicuous bracts.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Verbenaceae - Vervain Family
- Life Span
- Annual
- Height
- Prostrate or decumbent
- Last Updated
- 2007-11-14
Color Groups
Blue, Purple, Lavender & Violet Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: June, July, August, September