Verbena officinalis COMMON VERVAIN (plant)

Common Vervain is a small perennial plant from the Verbenaceae family. It reaches 30 cm in height by the end of summer.
Native to the southern Alps, it has naturalized across Europe as well as North Africa. Its growth is rather slow. Its lifespan is generally 2 to 3 years.

The leaves of Verbena officinalis are opposite, elongated, oval to lanceolate, with slightly serrated edges. They have a rough texture and a light green to grayish-green color.

It produces small purple and lilac flowers, grouped in panicle-shaped inflorescences. Flowering occurs in summer, offering an abundance of delicate and lightly scented flowers.

Common Vervain seeds come from Verbena officinalis; they are tiny, long, and thin, light brown in color, and equipped with small wings to encourage dispersal. They germinate easily in well-drained soil, contributing to the natural multiplication of the plant.

- Uses:

This perennial plant has been known since Antiquity; it was used by both the Celts and the Romans, who attributed exceptional properties to it. It was known in Gaul and used by druids during ceremonies for its magical virtues, hence its names "sorcerer's herb," "sacred herb," or "druid's plant." Considered an esoteric plant, it was also used as a lucky charm or love potion.

It is recognized in herbal medicine, which is its primary use. It possesses digestive, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties for the body. Do not consume without medical advice from a healthcare professional.

Its flowering tops and leaves are used. Its soothing benefits act on stress.

Despite its slight bitterness, it is found in infusions to benefit from its properties.

Due to its soothing and purifying action, it is found in cosmetics, notably in tonics, soaps, or skin creams.

It can also serve as a plant-based toothpaste. The leaves must be reduced to powder and then rubbed onto the teeth.

- Cultivation and planting:

• Plant common vervain in a 2-liter pot with a good substrate based on potting soil.
• Water gently.
• Place it in a very sunny spot.
• It is also possible to plant it directly in the ground in a warm, full-sun location.

- Substrate / soil type:

Common vervain grows very well in well-drained, light soil rich in organic matter. It also tolerates somewhat clayey soils, but avoid ground that is too compact or wet.

- Exposure / sunlight:

It grows ideally in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth.

- Temperatures / hardiness:

This plant is very hardy and resists temperatures dropping as low as -15°C. It tolerates cold winters in well-drained soil.

- Watering / water requirements:

It likes moderate watering. Excess water should be avoided to prevent root rot, but regular watering in summer during high heat or during planting is necessary.

- Reproduction / multiplication:

This variety multiplies mainly by sowing or by dividing clumps in spring or autumn. Multiplication by cuttings is also possible and is generally done in summer.

- Pests / predators:

Medicinal verbena is rarely attacked by pests. However, it can be subject to attacks by aphids or slugs.