Moss Verbena
Verbena tenuisecta

Location
Wildflower garden.

Description
A sprawling ornamental perennial in the south, but annual in the north, that is intolerant of the cold, moss verbena grows to a height of 12-18” in height and has small rich bluish purple flowers in bouquet-like clusters. It is very drought tolerant, prefers full sun, can take infrequent mowing, as its blooming period lasts between March and July (TAMU 2009).

History
Moss verbena is native to South America, but has been introduced to the southern U.S. Aerial parts, namely stems that are dry or fresh, have been used traditionally to create herb infusions as a mild sedative to reduce anxiety and headaches, related to stress or upper back tension, as well as to increase milk production (Kane 2006).

Current Medical Uses
Verbena tenuisecta has a weak history as a medicinal plant and is predominantly seen as an ornamental plant due to the lack of evidence to support its clinical use.

References
Texas Agricultural Extension Service. http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/Wildseed (Accessed June 28, 2009) Search term: Moss verbena

Kane, Charles W. Herbal Medicine of the American Southwest. Lincoln Town Press, 2006