Japanese name: ヤナギハナガサ（柳花笠） Scientific name:Verbena bonariensis
[Overview]
A perennial growing to 2 m tall.
It branches freely.
The whole plant is covered with stiff hairs.
The stems and branches have distinct 4 ridges.
The leaves are simple and opposite, lanceolate, 5–13 cm long and 1–2.5 cm wide.
The leaf margins are toothed.
The leaf base somewhat clasps the stem.
Branched spike-like inflorescences at the stem tips bear dense flowers.
The corolla is tubular, with the tip divided into 5 lobes, and is reddish purple.
The inflorescence elongates as flowering progresses.
The fruit is a schizocarp.
[History]
It has become naturalized in various places.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed.
It spreads readily by self-sown seed.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained location.
If the conditions suit it, it grows well even when left alone.
Rainfall is sufficient.
Fertilizer is not particularly necessary.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
