Western Verbena
(Western Vervain, Common Vervain)

Verbena lasiostachys var. lasiostachys

A 1-3 ft. branching, sprawling perennial, common along seasonal streams and other moist places but can also grow on dry soil in many plant communities. In Orange County it is found in Chino Hills, the eastern foothills and Santa Ana Mountains (Roberts) as well as moist areas near the coast (Upper Newport Bay, UCI freshwater marsh, San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park). Fruit with 4 nutlets. Flowering: April- October.

Note:   There is a similar plant, V. lasiostachys var. scabrida which is uncommon on bluffs and in grassy openings of coastal sage scrub and oak woodland in Crystal Cove State Park, Cristianitos Canyon, and upper Santiago Canyon in the Santa Ana Mountains (Roberts). An examination of the nutlets is necessary for differentiation.  It is possible that some of these photos might be of this second species. 

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