American Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)

Family: Verbenaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Verbena hastata is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Pleasantly bitter, some of this bitterness can be removed by leeching the flour. — The seed can be roasted and ground into a powder or used whole as a piñole.; Pleasantly bitter, some of this bitterness can be removed by leeching the flour.; The leaves are used as a tea substitute.

Habitat & North American Range

Swales, damp thickets and shores. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)