Ethnobotany

1. California Verbena – Verbena lasiostachys (ver-BEE-na las-ee-oh-STAY-kis)
Family: Verbenaceae (Vervain Family)
Native to: Much of CA, but particularly the coastal areas of SW CA, Deserts, Great Central Valley &
surrounding mountains; also NW coast, OR and Baja; open, often disturbed areas in Chaparral or
Coastal Scrub, Coastal Prairies, Foothills, Oak Woodlands.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-4 ft. mature width: 1-4 ft.
Sprawling to upright herbaceous perennial with square, hairy stems. Leaves are coarsely toothed,
larger at the base of the plant, and are hairy. Reminiscent of closely related mints.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms May-Sept. Small blue-purple flowers on upright flowering stem. Flowers
open “up the stem” as the season progresses. Striking in a quiet sort of way.
Uses in the garden: Best with other plants in garden beds. Looks particularly nice with white-foliage
plants. Similar in requirements to Seaside Heliotrope. Can be used as seasonal groundcover.
Excellent habitat plant. Pretty growing among yellow or orange-flowered summer bloomers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native mints and verbenas (although more subdued).
Attracts: Excellent nectar source for bees, butterflies, other insects and hummingbirds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part-shade (particularly in hot gardens)
Soil Not particular with regards to texture, pH; even does well in poorly-draining soils
Water None after flowering; can stand seasonal flooding in winter
Fertilizer None needed
Other
Management: Cut back to base after flowering. Let it remain dormant until the winter rains. Too
much water can cause it to become weedy.
Propagation: from seed: in fall by root divisions: in fall
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 10, 11, 13, 16 12/15/10
© Project SOUND