Purple Porterweed

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Purple Porterweed

There is a non-native Category II invasive, Nettleleaf vervain (Stachytarpheta urticifolia) that is commonly misrepresented as native but is native to tropical Asia. They are both butterfly attractants. The non-native plant has narrower flower spikes, more finely toothed leaf margins that point out instead of up, a dark green quilted leaf surface on top and grows up to 5' tall. The native version has plumper flower spikes, coarsely toothed leaf margin that has teeth pointing up and only grows to be a 10" tall mound not including the flower spikes.

This plant will typically bloom year round in South Florida. This winter mine pretty much defoliated but came back strong after I cut back all of the dead wood and the summer rains began. It is a low maintenance plant that does well with little water. It may need to be watered during extended periods of drought. Most plants last 3-4 years but will self sow and produce seedlings. Cuttings are also an easy propogation alternative.