Vervain, more specifically verbena officinalis or verbena hastata, is a herb that reportedly originates from the Mediterranean. Vervain has also been grown widely around Europe and other Eastern countries. It is edible and has been used throughout history for medicinal, ritual, and ornamental purposes. It’s name comes from the Celtic language, fer (to drive away) and faen (a stone).

Vervain is fairly easy to grow in your own garden or planters, often used as border or trailing plants.  some species require moist growing conditions, while others are quite drought tolerant. Vervain, a perennial, usually grows tall and slender and has thin spikes which hold beautiful clusters of white to pink to purple flowers. In gardens and outdoor planters, Vervain’s fragrance is known to attract butterflies, which adds charm to their beauty. The fragrance of Vervain makes it an excellent choice to add to sachets.

Other names for Vervain

Altar Plant, Blue Vervain, Demetria, Dragon’s Claw, Enchanter’s plant, Ferfaen, Frog-foot, Herba Scara (or Sacree), Herb of the Cross, Herb of Grace, Herba Verneris (herb of venus), Holy Herb, Holy Plant, Holywort, Juno’s Tears, Mercury’s Moist Blood, Peristerium, Persephonion, Pigeon’s Grass, Pigeonwood, Sagmina, Simpler’s Joy, Swamp Verbena, Tears of Isis, Verbena, Vervan, Van Van, Verbein, Verbena, Verbinaca, Wild Hyssop.

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)

photo credit: tlindenbaum 

Common Vervain (Verbena officinalis)

Photo credit: Jerry...

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