Bigbract Verbena
Verbena bracteata
The large, leaf-like bracts surrounding the flowers act as tiny shields, protecting the developing seeds from hungry seed-eating insects.
- Scientific name
- Verbena bracteata
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Lamiales › Verbenaceae › Verbena
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Disturbed soils, roadsides, dry fields, pastures, and waste ground.
- Diet
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
- Range
- United States, Canada, Northern Mexico
- Size
- Stems spread 30 to 50 cm across, rising only 5 to 20 cm off the ground.
- Lifespan
- 1-2 years (Annual or short-lived perennial)
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Excessive herbicide application and intensive agricultural tilling.
- Safe to approach?
- This plant is entirely harmless and safe to approach closely. It possesses no stinging hairs or toxic sap. If accidentally handled, no special action is required, though washing hands after foraging wild plants is always good practice.
Verbena bracteata is a species of verbena known by the common names bracted vervain , bigbract verbena , prostrate vervain , and carpet vervain . It is native to North America where it is widespread, occurring throughout the continent except for northern Canada and southern Mexico. It occurs in many types of habitat, especially disturbed areas, where it grows as a common weed; it typically blooms between the months of May and October. This annual or biennial herb produces several...
Photo: Matt Lavin, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist
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