Narrow-Leaved Vervain (Verbena simplex)
Narrow-Leaved Vervain has long-lasting flowers that attract many kinds of native bees, including the specialist bee Calliopsis nebraskensis, skippers, and probably butterflies (illinoiswildflower.org). While not particularly showy, this long bloom time keeps those little pollinators fed. It is the host plant for the Common Buckeye and 10 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). This is a great addition to gardens with poor or dry soil.
Narrow-Leaved Vervain has long-lasting flowers that attract many kinds of native bees, including the specialist bee Calliopsis nebraskensis, skippers, and probably butterflies (illinoiswildflower.org). While not particularly showy, this long bloom time keeps those little pollinators fed. It is the host plant for the Common Buckeye and 10 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). This is a great addition to gardens with poor or dry soil.
Narrow-Leaved Vervain has long-lasting flowers that attract many kinds of native bees, including the specialist bee Calliopsis nebraskensis, skippers, and probably butterflies (illinoiswildflower.org). While not particularly showy, this long bloom time keeps those little pollinators fed. It is the host plant for the Common Buckeye and 10 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). This is a great addition to gardens with poor or dry soil.
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil Moisture: Medium-dry, Dry
Height: 1-2.5 feet
Plant Spacing: 1-2 feet
Bloom Time: June-August
Bloom Color: Bluish to Purple to White
Advantages: Pollinator Favorite, Deer Resistant
Host: Common Buckeye and 10 other species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)
Specialist Bee: Calliopsis nebraskensis (illinoiswildflower.info)
