Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)

Blue vervain is a stately, candelabra like perennial reaching 2 to 6 feet tall, recognized by spikes of tiny, deep violet-blue flowers. It thrives in full sun and prefers consistently moist to wet soils where it adds a striking vertical element to the landscape. In bloom its a high traffic pollinator hub its long blooming spikes provide a steady nectar source, while its foliage serves as the primary host for the buckeye butterfly. Because the leaves and flowering tops possess a cooling, bitter, and slightly earthy flavor, they are frequently harvested to be used in calming teas, tinctures, or as a bitter digestive tonic.