Vervain

Vervain, Verbena officinalis, is one of my favourite plants, but it is not very impressive. Each flower spike has just 2-4 tiny flowers open at any one time. They gradually open up the stem. Even when you get a big spray of stems it does not really stand out. It is a specialist of bare ground and rough, open grassy areas on chalk and I think I grew to like it as a dainty little delight along the track sides on long, dusty walks across the downs. It has just turned up on one of the tracks leading to my nature reserve.