Verbena officinalis
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| Verbena officinalis L. |
Verbena officinalis (Common Vervain, Common Verbena, Simpler's Joy or Holy Herb) is a perennial herb native to Europe. It grows to a metre high with an upright habit and prefers limy soils. The lobed leaves are toothed, the delicate spikes hold mauve flowers.
[edit] Cultivation and uses
Propagation is by seed or root. It is widely naturalised outside its native range.
In northern Europe it was regarded as a sacred herb, used in sacred ointments to cleanse and defend against demonic illness. It was also used in love potions
According to the William Faulkner short story "An Odor of Verbena", Verbena is the only scent that can be smelled above the scent of horses and courage.
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