08/18/2026
πΏ Native Plant Spotlight: Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta) πΏ
Hoary Vervain is a beautiful Wisconsin native wildflower that thrives in sunny prairies, open fields, and dry hillsides. Its tall stems are topped with spikes of vibrant purple flowers that bloom from early through late summer, adding bold color to native landscapes. The plant's soft, fuzzy leaves and stems give it its distinctive "hoary," or grayish, appearance.
This hardy perennial is an important nectar source for a wide variety of native bees, butterflies, skippers, and other pollinators. Its long bloom period provides dependable food throughout much of the growing season, making it a valuable addition to healthy prairie ecosystems and native plant communities.
These flowers were photographed in the Bock Unit of Pheasant Branch Conservancy. Their vivid purple blooms are often one of the first things to catch your eye as you wander through the prairie in midsummer.
Take a moment to pause beside a patch of Hoary Vervain and watch the flowers in action. There's a good chance you'll see bees and butterflies busily moving from bloom to bloom!
