California Vervain
(Verbena californica )
Verbenaceae

Photo Copyright 1982 Dean Wm. Taylor

Description: Perennial herb 1-2.5 feet (3-7.5dm) tall, with 1-3 stems. Leaves elliptic to oblanceolate shaped, smooth edged or irregularly toothed, and 3/4 - 3 1/2 inches (2-9cm) long. Inflorescence are spikes (1-3 per stem branch), 4 - 9 1/2 inches (10-24cm) long, and 1/4 - 3/8 inches (5-10mm) wide. Flowers contain calyx 3/16 inches (4-4.5mm) long, and violet to purplish corolla (petals), 1/8 inch (2.5-3.5mm) long. Fruit are about 1/8 inch (2mm) long. 

Distribution:

Habitat: Wet places, seeps, serpentine soils, pine/oak woodland. Elevation 832 - 1280 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms May - September.

Similar Plants:

Status: Federal Threatened, California State Threatened, California Native Plant Society List 1B