Vervain (Verbena ×deamii): A Lesser-Known Native Gem for Your Garden
If you’re on the hunt for native plants that fly under the radar, Verbena ×deamii might just be the hidden treasure you’ve been seeking. This native vervain is one of those delightfully mysterious plants that doesn’t show up in every garden center, but deserves a spot in the conversation about North American natives.
What Makes This Vervain Special?
Verbena ×deamii is what botanists call a hybrid—that little × in the name is the giveaway. This means it’s the result of two different Verbena species getting together to create something new. Also known by its synonym Verbena ×dodgei, this vervain represents the fascinating world of natural plant hybridization that happens right in our native landscapes.
As a forb (basically a fancy word for a non-woody flowering plant), this vervain lacks the thick, woody stems you’d find on shrubs or trees. Instead, it’s an herbaceous plant that can behave as either an annual or perennial, depending on growing conditions and local climate.
Where You’ll Find This Native Beauty
This vervain calls a good chunk of North America home, with native populations scattered across both Canada and the United States. You can find it growing naturally in Arkansas, Ontario, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. That’s quite a range for a plant that doesn’t get much press!
Why Consider Verbena ×deamii for Your Garden?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky—and honestly refreshing in our world of over-documented everything. This particular vervain is something of an enigma. While we know it’s native and where it grows, the specifics about its garden performance, exact growing requirements, and ornamental qualities aren’t widely documented.
What we do know is promising:
- It’s native to a large portion of North America
- It’s adapted to diverse climatic conditions across its range
- As a member of the Verbena family, it likely shares some characteristics with its better-known relatives
- It’s not listed as invasive or problematic
The Challenge (And Opportunity) of Growing Verbena ×deamii
Let’s be honest—finding detailed growing information for this particular hybrid is like searching for a needle in a haystack. This presents both a challenge and an exciting opportunity for adventurous gardeners who love to experiment with lesser-known natives.
If you’re determined to grow this species, here’s what we can reasonably infer:
- Given its wide native range, it’s likely adaptable to various growing conditions
- As a forb, it probably prefers full sun to partial shade
- Most verbenas are relatively drought-tolerant once established
- It may self-seed if conditions are right
Finding and Growing Your Own
The biggest hurdle you’ll face is actually finding Verbena ×deamii for sale. This isn’t a plant you’ll stumble across at your neighborhood garden center. Your best bets are:
- Specialty native plant nurseries
- Native plant society sales
- Seed exchanges (if you can find seeds)
- Connecting with other native plant enthusiasts who might have it
If you do manage to get your hands on some, treat it like you would other native verbenas—provide well-draining soil, adequate sunlight, and be patient as it establishes itself.
The Bottom Line
Verbena ×deamii represents something special in the native plant world: a genuinely understudied species that could surprise us all. While we can’t promise you detailed care instructions or guarantee spectacular garden performance, we can tell you that choosing lesser-known natives like this one supports biodiversity and might just introduce you to your new favorite plant.
If you’re feeling adventurous and love the idea of growing something truly unique, this mysterious vervain might be worth tracking down. Just remember—you’ll be part of a very small club of gardeners growing this particular native gem!
