Verbena stricta (hoary vervain)

This fast-growing vervain provides a bright splash of color in summer, coming into bloom as many other perennials are finishing. Native to the Great Plains, it is a little shorter than our locally common Verbena hastata, and prefers drier conditions. It reseeds easily but is a short-lived perennial, and does not compete well over time in a crowded meadow setting with other wildflowers and native grasses. Good in a dry, sandy spot with poor soil. Birds eat the seeds. Deer do not like it.