White Vervain (Verbena urticifolia)
The tiny flowers of White Vervain attract a large variety of native bees and small butterflies (illinoiswildflowers.info). It is the host plant to the Common Buckeye and 11 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). Songbirds such as the Slate-Colored Junco, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, and White-Crowned Sparrow eat the seeds on occasion (illinoiswildflowers.info). Deer and rabbits tend to leave this one alone due to its bitter, coarse foliage.
Photo credit: Fritz Flohr Reynolds
The tiny flowers of White Vervain attract a large variety of native bees and small butterflies (illinoiswildflowers.info). It is the host plant to the Common Buckeye and 11 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). Songbirds such as the Slate-Colored Junco, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, and White-Crowned Sparrow eat the seeds on occasion (illinoiswildflowers.info). Deer and rabbits tend to leave this one alone due to its bitter, coarse foliage.
Photo credit: Fritz Flohr Reynolds
The tiny flowers of White Vervain attract a large variety of native bees and small butterflies (illinoiswildflowers.info). It is the host plant to the Common Buckeye and 11 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). Songbirds such as the Slate-Colored Junco, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, and White-Crowned Sparrow eat the seeds on occasion (illinoiswildflowers.info). Deer and rabbits tend to leave this one alone due to its bitter, coarse foliage.
Photo credit: Fritz Flohr Reynolds
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Part shade-Shade
Soil Moisture: Medium/wet – Medium
Height: 3-6 feet
Bloom Time: June-October
Bloom Color: White
Advantages: Pollinator Favorite, Bird Favorite, Deer Resistant
Host Plant: Common Buckeye and 11 other species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)
