Verbena hastata (blue vervain)

Blue vervain or swamp verbena is a 2–6' tall, stout-stemmed perennial with numerous, pencil-thin flower spikes branched upwards like the arms of a candelabra. Each stiff flower spike has a ring of blue-purple flowers that bloom in sequence from the bottom upward in July. Plant in moist or wet soil in sun, part shade, or shade. Provides a strong upright accent to a perennial garden. Spreads slowly through rhizomes and self-seeding. Pinch the tops to encourage branching and a bushier growth habit. A good choice for ponds, bogs, or water and rain gardens.

This species grows in most of the U.S. and much of Canada. It is common throughout Maryland in moist fields and swamps. Attracts bees and is a larval host to the common buckeye butterfly, the verbena moth, and the verbena bud moth. The seeds are eaten by many small mammals and birds.