This South American introduction escapes to wasteland from garden more frequently than it once did because it is a fashionable plant for summer borders now. Unlike our native Vervain (Verbena officinalis) this is quite a tall plant up to 1 m with striking purple blooms visible from a distance.

Verbena bonariensis was hardly known as an introduction in the 1970s but as its popularity with gardeners has increased so has its occurrence in the wild. It is found all round the London area and along the south coast of England and dotted about in England and Wales. Hardly any has escaped in Scotland or Ireland yet.

Waste ground St Helens 18th July 2005

Added on December 19th 2005, updated 20th February 2012