White Vervain (Verbena urticifolia)

White vervain grows in different types of deciduous forests, as well as along borders and trails, in swamps and thickets, and along roadsides and fencerows. It grows to between 3′ and 6′ tall. The leaves are opposite and approximately 6″ long and 2 1/2″ wide. They are toothed and can be slightly softly hairy. The flowers grow on many slender stalks from the leaf axil near the top of the plant. They are white and very small, only about 1/8″ across, with five petals. 

While sometimes described as a weed, it has high ecological value. Although the flowers are tiny, the nectar and pollen attract a variety of bees, wasps, and butterflies. The larvae of the Verbena Moth (Crambodes talidiformis) and the Vervain Leaf Midge (Clinodiplosis verbenae) feed on the foliage, as do flea beetle species (Longitarsus suspectus), the Verbena Aphid (Macrosiphum verbenae), and the Two-striped Grasshopper (Melanoplus bivittatus). In addition, the seeds are eaten by songbirds, while mammalian species, such as deer, generally find its bitter foliage unattractive. 

Attracts: 🐛 🐝 🐦
Light: full sun to part shade
Soil: medium to medium-wet