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Native Plant Society of Texas

Gulf Vervain

Verbena xutha

Other common name(s):

Family:

Verbenaceae (Verbena Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

East Central Texas Plains, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Texas Blackland Prairies, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Bastrop Lost Pines, Floodplains and Low Terraces2, Northern Post Oak Savanna, Northern Prairie Outliers, San Antonio Prairie, Southern Post Oak Savanna
Coastal Sand Plain, Floodplains and Low Terraces4, Laguna Madre Barrier Island and Coastal Marshes, Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Mid-Coast Barrier Islands and Coastal Marshes, Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies, Texas-Louisiana Coastal Marshes
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie, Southern Blackland Prairie
Flatwoods, Floodplains and Low Terraces3, Pleistocene Fluvial Terraces, Red River Bottomlands, Southern Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

4
to
6
ft.

Spread

1
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Semi Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Well Drained, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Blue, Purple

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Nectar, Pollen, Flowers

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Birds, Small Mammals, Nectar Insects, Hummingbirds

Maintenance

Forms colonies by spreading rhizomes and self-seeding. Can be short-lived. Works well in naturalized and rain gardens. Needs supplemental water in summer. Native habitat: beaches, fields, roadsides. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms March-October. Blue flowers grow from tall slender spikes arising from an evergreen basal rosette and opening from bottom to top. Lobed leaves are pubescent with toothed margins.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment The best time to propagate gulf vervain is in spring, ideally through sowing. Spring offers optimal growing conditions with increasing temperatures and longer daylight hours, facilitating germination and growth. This period aligns with the natural growth cycle of gulf vervain, ensuring higher success rates and robust plant development. Sow seeds in a well-draining mix, lightly pressing them into the soil. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; maintain moderate humidity and warmth. Once seedlings establish, thinning may be needed for optimal growth. Collect seeds from mature gulf vervain plants. Ensure that the seeds are fully developed and dry before collection for best results. Clean the seeds gently to remove any attached floral debris. 1) https://www.picturethisai.com/wiki/Verbena_xutha.html 2) https://www.forwardplant.com/plant-info/verbena-xutha/
Seed Stratification Stratify the seeds to enhance germination rates. This involves storing the seeds wrapped in moist paper towels inside a sealed plastic bag, and then placing them in a refrigerator for about 2 to 4 weeks. Remove the seeds from stratification and sow them in a tray filled with a well-draining seed starting mix. Lightly cover the seeds with soil as gulf vervain seeds require light for optimal germination. Keep the tray in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a spray bottle to gently mist the soil surface if it begins to dry out. Maintain an ambient temperature around 65-75°F, which is ideal for gulf vervain's seed germination. Once the seedlings are several weeks old and have developed a set of true leaves, transplant them to individual pots or directly into the garden. Ensure that the transplantation is done carefully to avoid damaging the fragile roots. Collect seeds from mature gulf vervain plants. Ensure that the seeds are fully developed and dry before collection for best results. Clean the seeds gently to remove any attached floral debris. 1) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Verbena_xutha.html 2) https://www.forwardplant.com/plant-info/verbena-xutha/
Seed Scarification Soak the Verbena xutha seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. This helps soften the seed coat and encourages faster germination. Plant them about 1/4 inch deep in moist, well-draining soil. https://www.forwardplant.com/plant-info/verbena-xutha/
Stem Cutting Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant in a potting mix. elect healthy, non-flowering stems and cut 4-6 inch segments just below a node. https://www.forwardplant.com/plant-info/verbena-xutha/
Clump Division Carefully separate the root clumps, ensuring each division has roots and shoots. Replant the divisions immediately in a prepared bed or pot. Dig up a mature Verbena xutha plant in early spring. https://www.forwardplant.com/plant-info/verbena-xutha/

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason