Herb: White Vervain


Latin name: Verbena urticifolia


Family: Verbenaceae (Verbena Family)



Medicinal use of White Vervain:

A decoction of the root is given to babies to break out the hives. The sweetened root decoction is drunk as an aid for flu. An infusion of the root has been used in the treatment of profuse menstruation. The root has been eaten to revive a patient and restore them to health.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
25 cm
(9 3/4 inch)

Habitat of the herb:

Woodlands, pastures, along streams, roadsides and waste areas.

Propagation of White Vervain:

Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse or cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring. Basal cuttings in early summer. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.

Cultivation of the herb:

Woodlands, pastures, along streams, roadsides and waste areas.

Known hazards of Verbena urticifolia:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.