Appearance

Verbena montevidensis, Seashore vervain is a rapid growing, erect, and clump forming perennial herb. The 3-6 ft. (0.9-1.8 m) tall stems are slender, rough and square. Upright stems branch widely off the central stem. V. montevidensis may survive as an annual in colder climates as it readily self-seeds.

Foliage

V. montevidensis leaves are dark green. Most of the leaves are in a basal rosette. The opposite leaves clasp the stem. Leaves are elliptic to lanceolate, ranging from 3-5 in. (7.6-12.7 cm) long with serrate margins.

Flowers

The small five petaled flowers of V. montevidensis are lavender to purple and are borne in terminal cymes. They bloom all summer until the first frost.

Fruit

V. montevidensis fruits are nutlets. Each flower produces four seeds.

Ecological Threat

Verbena montevidensis is native to South America. It has escaped cultivation and become naturalized in disturbed areas across the southeastern United States. V. montevidensis is drought and heat tolerant and is very common along roadsides and other disturbed areas. Verbena montevidensis is very similar to V. bonariensis and V. incompta but all are invasive species.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States

References