Prairie Verbena

Scientific Name(s): Glandularia bipinnatifida
Abundance: common
What: roots, stems, leaves, flowers
How: tincture, tea (tisane)
Where: sunny fields, disturbed areas, landscaping
When: spring, summer, fall
Nutritional Value: unknown
Dangers: do not take if pregnant

Medicinal Summary: nervine (anti-anxiety), mild sedative, anti-inflammatory

Leaf Arrangement: The leaves are opposite-alternating, meaning pairs of leaves grow at the same level on opposite sides of the stem and the set above below will be rotated 90 degrees along the stem.

Leaf Shape: The leaves are deeply divided and bipinnatifid (leaf clefts have smaller clefts), measuring approximately 2-4 inches in length and 1-2 inches in width.

Leaf Venation: The leaves have pinnate venation, with a central midrib from which smaller veins branch out laterally.

Leaf Margin: The margins of the leaves are serrated with deep, irregular lobes.

Leaf Color: The leaves are green, typically a bright to medium green shade.

Flower Structure: The flowers are tubular and arranged in dense, rounded clusters called corymbs, located at the ends of stems. Individual flowers measure about 0.2-0.4 inches in diameter. Each of the five petals has a rounded notch at the outer end.

Flower Color: The flowers range from pink to purple, often with variations in hue within the same cluster.

Fruit: The fruit is a schizocarp (husked seed pod) that splits into four nutlets, each about 0.1 inches long.

Seed: Each nutlet contains a single seed, approximately 0.1 inches in length and 0.05 inches in width.

Stem: The square stems are erect and hairy, with a diameter of around 0.1-0.2 inches. They may become woody as the plant ages, especially near the base.

Hairs: The plant has glandular hairs that excrete a sticky substance, especially noticeable on stems and leaves.

Height: The plant typically reaches a height of 6-24 inches, depending on growing conditions.

Texas distribution, attributed to U. S. Department of Agriculture. The marked counties are guidelines only. Plants may appear in other counties, especially if used in landscaping.


North American distribution, attributed to U. S. Department of Agriculture.


Prairie verbena aka Dakota Mock Verbena is (sadly) always a big hit in my foraging classes. Why is this depressing? Because often up to 80% of the students get really excited to learn it has anti-anxiety powers. Why the heck are so many people suffering from anxiety?! I don't get it, but at least nature is there to help.

To access its mentally soothing powers, pour 10oz of boiling water over one teaspoon of dried plant matter (flowers, leaves, & stems), then let steep 5-8 minutes. Strain out the verbena material, let cool to a drinkable temperature, then drink. The flavor can be adjusted with lemon and/or honey if desired.

Verbenas are not safe for pregnant women as they can stimulate uterine contractions.

These flowers are easily added to landscaping, bringing a long-lasting touch of color. They thrive in full sun all across Texas and surrounding states. While maybe not as strong of anti-anxiety agent as passion vine, it doesn't spread and take over your yard like Passafloria vines do.

Buy my book! Outdoor Adventure Guides Foraging covers 70 of North America's tastiest and easy to find wild edibles shown with the same big pictures as here on the Foraging Texas website.