Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect, stout, 1 to several, simple or branched above, very leafy, velvety hairy.
- Leaves
- Opposite, simple, mostly sessile, broadly ovate, elliptic, or lanceolate, 1 to 4 inches long, 1/2 to 2 inches wide, densely hairy, conspicuously veined underneath; margins prominently toothed.
- Inflorescence
- Spikes, narrow, erect, to 12 inches long, terminal.
- Flower
- Overlapping; calyces 5-lobed, less than 1/4 inch long, densely hairy, tips sharply pointed; corollas blue to purple, 1/3 inch wide, lobes 5, pubescent outside; stamens 4, in 2 groups.
- Fruit
- 4 nutlets, covered with tiny bumps, grayish brown, each 1-seeded.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Dry soils of pastures, roadsides, disturbed areas, farmyards, and waste ground.
- Distribution
- Throughout Kansas.
Practical Information
- Uses
- Plains Indians made a tea from the leaves and used it to treat stomachaches. Prairie chickens and small mammals eat the seeds.
Additional Notes
Comments
Woolly verbena is very drought-resistant, with roots that can descend to 12 feet. Cattle will not consume it due to its bitter taste so it spreads in overgrazed pastures.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Verbenaceae - Vervain Family
- Life Span
- Perennial
- Height
- 1-5 feet
- Last Updated
- 2021-02-20
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