Verbena brasiliensis
Common Name(s):
- Description
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Brazilian verbena is an annual or short-lived perennial in the vervain family (Verbenaceae) that is native to South America. It is an invasive weed that can be found in both wetland areas and drier sites such as fields, roadsides and other disturbed areas. it is found in all areas of NC but is rarer in the mountains.
The 3-8 foot tall stems are angular with stiff hairs from which loose terminal spikes of flowers are borne. The leaves also have stiff hairs with bristles on the undersides along the major veins.
You can distinguish this plant from V. bonariensis by its smaller flowers, floral bracts that are as long or slightly longer than the calyces and leaves that are sessile and not clasping.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: It is considered a significant invasive species of the mid-south United States and is prohibited on National Forest System Lands of the United States. It displaces native plants.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Verbena
- Species:
- brasiliensis
- Family:
- Verbenaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Perennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South America
- Distribution:
- naturalized from Virginia to Florida and west along the gulf coast.
- Wildlife Value:
- Attracts pollinators, especially butterflies
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Perennial
- Weed
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- High
- Texture:
- Coarse
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- Occasionally Wet
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Schizocarp
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The schizocarp contains two brown nutlets
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Flowers:
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Spike
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Cup
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Small blue, pink or purple flowers occur in loose terminal spikes. There are 5 lobes that are joined nearly to the apex. The corolla is bluish-purple and slightly protrudes from the calyx. Four stamens are on top of the corolla tube. All parts have hairs.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Rough
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Lanceolate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Simple green leaves have short stiff hairs, serrate margins and no stems (sessile). The base is long tapered and the tip is acute. The pinnate veins are sunken on the upper surface. Leaves are 1.5- 4 inches long and 1/3 to 1 inch wide.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Square
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
- Stem Description:
- Four-sided branched green stems with stiff hairs and ridges.
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Landscape:
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Problems:
- Weedy
