: any of a genus (Verbena of the family Verbenaceae, the vervain family) of chiefly American plants having bracted spicate flowers, a corolla with a 5-lobed limb, and a fruit that separates into four nutlets
Examples of vervain in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Hummingbirds slid their noses into plantain lily hostas and delicate stems of purpletop vervain.
—
Betsy Vereckey, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2022
While filled with plenty of angst and fangs, the series managed to create multiple memorable items perfect for gift-giving, from Elena’s vervain necklace to the Salvatores' daylight rings.
—Abby Dupes, Seventeen, 30 Aug. 2022
Joe-Pye weed, boneset and blue vervain bloom nicely in wetlands.
—Star Tribune, 29 July 2021
Blue vervain has been a really powerful ally for friends on the frontlines, especially for organizers.
—Aliza Abarbanel, Bon Appétit, 6 Aug. 2020
Wildflowers and shady pines (Photo: Mare Czinar/Special for The Republic)
Watch for swarms of butterflies and bees drawing nectar from Butter and Eggs flowers, New Mexican vervain and field bindweed blooms.
—Mare Czinar, azcentral, 5 July 2018
In the garden, blue vervain plants attract butterflies, bumblebees and other pollinators.
—cleveland.com, 16 May 2017
Sun: Full
Soil moisture: Average to moist
Height: Four to six feet
Deer resistant: Yes
Comments: Blue vervain is a traditional medicinal herb, with the roots, leaves or flowers used to treat conditions.
—cleveland.com, 16 May 2017
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Betsy Vereckey, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2022
While filled with plenty of angst and fangs, the series managed to create multiple memorable items perfect for gift-giving, from Elena’s vervain necklace to the Salvatores' daylight rings.
—Abby Dupes, Seventeen, 30 Aug. 2022
Joe-Pye weed, boneset and blue vervain bloom nicely in wetlands.
—Star Tribune, 29 July 2021
Blue vervain has been a really powerful ally for friends on the frontlines, especially for organizers.
—Aliza Abarbanel, Bon Appétit, 6 Aug. 2020
Wildflowers and shady pines (Photo: Mare Czinar/Special for The Republic)
Watch for swarms of butterflies and bees drawing nectar from Butter and Eggs flowers, New Mexican vervain and field bindweed blooms.
—Mare Czinar, azcentral, 5 July 2018
In the garden, blue vervain plants attract butterflies, bumblebees and other pollinators.
—cleveland.com, 16 May 2017
Sun: Full
Soil moisture: Average to moist
Height: Four to six feet
Deer resistant: Yes
Comments: Blue vervain is a traditional medicinal herb, with the roots, leaves or flowers used to treat conditions.
—cleveland.com, 16 May 2017
Cite this Entry
“Vervain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vervain. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
vervain
noun
ver·vain
ˈvər-ˌvān 
: any of a genus (Verbena of the family Verbenaceae, the vervain family) of plants including several (as V. hastata) formerly used as medicinal herbs
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