Mint-leaved vervain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mint-leaved vervain |
|
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Verbena
|
| Species: |
menthifolia
|
Verbena menthifolia is a type of plant often called mint-leaved vervain or mint vervain. It belongs to the verbena family. This plant is known for its interesting leaves and small purple flowers. It grows naturally in dry, open areas.
Contents
What is Mint-Leaved Vervain?
Mint-leaved vervain is a perennial herb. This means it is a plant that lives for more than two years. It does not have a woody stem like a tree or a bush. Instead, its stems are soft and green.
Where Does It Grow?
This plant is found in the southwestern parts of the United States. It also grows in northern Mexico. It likes to live in dry places. You can find it in areas like desert scrub. These are open, dry habitats.
What Does It Look Like?
Mint-leaved vervain can grow up to about 75 centimeters tall. That's almost as tall as a typical school desk! It has stems that stand straight up.
Stems and Leaves
The stems of the plant are covered in rough hairs. Its leaves are also hairy. They are a few centimeters long. Near the bottom, the leaves split into a few thin parts. These parts have edges that look like tiny saw teeth.
Flowers and Spikes
The flowers of the mint-leaved vervain grow in long, thin clusters. These clusters are called spikes. There can be one to three spikes on each plant. They can be up to 30 centimeters long. The flowers are not packed tightly together. Instead, they are spaced out along the slender spike. Each flower is small and purple. It is only about 2 or 3 millimeters wide.
Who Named This Plant?
The scientific name for this plant, Verbena menthifolia, was given by a scientist named George Bentham. He was a famous botanist. Botanists are scientists who study plants.
