Moss Verbena

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

Disclaimer 

Information on this website is for educational purposes only. Many herbs historically used for medicine are considered too toxic to use today; some of these herbs have caused deaths. Do not ingest these herbs based on information on this website. We have not provided sufficient information for the safe medicinal use of any of these herbs, nor sufficient information for treatment of poisoning. All recreational use of these herbs is dangerous.