Santa Fe Botanical Garden

Common name: MacDougal verbena, New Mexico vervain, spike verbena, blue vervain

Family: Verbenaceae (Verbena)

Distribution: Westcentral United States, Northern Mexico

Habitat: Montane grasslands, slopes and valleys

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5 (-20 to -10 °F)

Life form: Herbaceous perennial

Occurrence in New Mexico: New Mexico native plant

Growing Conditions: New Mexico vervain is common in the southern Rocky Mountain region, growing from southern Wyoming to Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas. It grows on open flats, mountain slopes, and in valleys. It is widespread on grassy meadows at mid to upper elevations of New Mexico. It grows well in full or partial sun, and needs a moderate amount of water. Seeds are commercially available; they should be planted in autumn or cold stratified for at least 30 days.