Vervain (Verbena ×crookshanksii): A Lesser-Known Native Hybrid Worth Discovering
If you’re the type of gardener who loves hunting down unique native plants that aren’t in every garden center, Verbena ×crookshanksii might just pique your interest. This native vervain hybrid is one of those botanical gems that doesn’t get much fanfare, but deserves a closer look from adventurous gardeners seeking something special for their native plant collections.
What Makes This Vervain Special?
Verbena ×crookshanksii is a perennial hybrid native to the lower 48 states, specifically found growing naturally in Colorado and Nebraska. The × in its name tells us this is a hybrid species – nature’s own cross between two parent vervain species. As a forb (basically a fancy way of saying it’s an herbaceous flowering plant without woody stems), this vervain brings the classic charm of the verbena family to gardens in a unique package.
This native plant grows as a perennial, meaning it’ll come back year after year once established, making it a worthwhile investment for patient gardeners who appreciate long-term garden residents.
Where Does It Call Home?
Currently documented in Colorado and Nebraska, this vervain has carved out its niche in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions. Its natural range suggests it’s adapted to the challenging conditions of these areas – think temperature extremes, variable precipitation, and tough soils.
Should You Grow Verbena ×crookshanksii?
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit challenging). This particular hybrid is something of a botanical mystery child – there’s limited readily available information about its specific growing requirements, appearance, and garden performance. This could be either exciting or frustrating, depending on your gardening personality.
The Pros:
- It’s a true native plant, supporting local ecosystems
- Perennial nature means long-term garden value
- Likely adapted to tough growing conditions given its native range
- You’ll have a conversation starter that few other gardeners will recognize
The Challenges:
- Limited availability in the nursery trade
- Scarce information about specific growing requirements
- Uncertain ornamental value compared to well-known vervain cousins
Growing This Unique Native
Since specific growing information for Verbena ×crookshanksii is limited, your best bet is to mimic the conditions of its native habitat. Based on its Colorado and Nebraska origins, this plant likely appreciates:
- Full sun exposure
- Well-draining soils
- Tolerance for drought once established
- Cold winter hardiness
If you’re determined to try growing this species, consider reaching out to native plant societies in Colorado or Nebraska, botanical gardens in these regions, or specialized native plant nurseries that might have experience with rare regional species.
Alternative Native Vervains to Consider
If Verbena ×crookshanksii proves too elusive, don’t despair! The vervain family offers several other native options that are more readily available and well-documented:
- Blue vervain (Verbena hastata) – a tall, elegant native with purple-blue flower spikes
- Prairie vervain (Verbena bipinnatifida) – a low-growing option with purple flowers
- White vervain (Verbena urticifolia) – subtle white flowers on tall stems
The Bottom Line
Verbena ×crookshanksii represents the fascinating world of native plant hybrids that exist in nature but haven’t made it into mainstream horticulture. While it might not be the easiest native plant to source or grow, it offers the appeal of supporting truly local biodiversity in Colorado and Nebraska gardens.
For most gardeners, starting with better-known native vervains might be the wiser choice. But if you’re in Colorado or Nebraska and love the challenge of growing something genuinely unique, this mysterious hybrid might be worth the hunt. Just be prepared for some detective work and possibly disappointment if it proves too elusive for home cultivation.
Sometimes the most rewarding garden adventures come from the plants that make us work a little harder to understand and appreciate them.
