Saturday, September 17, 2011

Flower Purgatory Creek

Verbena is a genus of plants in the Verbenaceae faemily. The genus contains approximately 250 different species. Some Verbena species are annuals, only lasting a single season, while others are perennial, come back year after year. Through out history many different cultures, such as the Egyptians and Romans, have viewed Verbana as a type of holy plant. Even ancient Christians used to refer to common vervain as Holy Herb.
Although common vervain is not native to North America it has been introduced there and it is now invasive. Other species of Verbana are native to North America. The two species above are Verbana that are native to the area that I live. The top photo is an example of blue vervain and the bottom is an example of hoary vervain. Although both were photographed at Purgatory Creek they prefer different types of habitat. Blue vervain prefers to live in areas with wet soil while hoary vervain usually is found where the soil is dry.

5 comments:

Kay L. Davies said...

They're both very pretty, however. I know "invasive" isn't good for the native plants, but I think I'd enjoy these in my garden.
— K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Beautiful photos and great to include information too.

Unknown said...

beautiful images as always --- I also appreciate how you always teach us something when we all come to visit your blog! THANKS!

Judy said...

I sometimes find blue vervain around the river, but your photos are way better than mine!!

Teresa said...

Such a pretty wildflower!