Glandularia canadensis (Rose verbena)

Glandularia canadensis (Rose verbena) is a keystone Midwest native species highly prized by restoration ecologists, landscape architects, and home gardeners. Known for its strong ecological resilience, exceptional wildlife support, and a floristic C-Value of 5, this hardy perennial thrives in full sun across dry (rocky glades, bluffs & prairies) soils. Whether you are creating a dedicated pollinator garden, stabilizing soil on slopes, or restoring remnant prairie and woodland acreage, Natural Communities supplies this species in dependable formats—including deep-cell live plugs, bare-root stock, individual seed packets, and bulk Pure Live Seed (PLS) by weight. Comprehensive Ecological & Growth Specifications Botanical Name Glandularia canadensis Alternate Common Names Rose verbena, Glandularia canadensis Plant Family Verbenaceae (Vervain Family) Native Range (States) AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV Midwest & Regional County Distribution IL: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will, Kendall, Boone, Winnebago, DeKalb, LaSalle, Grundy; WI: Kenosha, Racine, Walworth, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Dane, Rock, Jefferson; IN: Lake, Porter, LaPorte Primary Native Habitats Limestone Glades, Rocky Prairies, Barrens, Dry Banks USDA Hardiness Zones Zone 3 - 8 Sunlight Exposure Full Sun Soil Moisture Range Dry (Rocky Glades, Bluffs & Prairies) Soil pH Range 5.5 - 7.5 Height at Maturity 6" - 14" Spread & Growth Habit Clumping / Well-Mannered (Non-aggressive) Root Architecture & Depth Deep Taproot System (18+ Depth) Deer & Wildlife Resistance High to Moderate Drought Tolerance Medium Salt Tolerance Moderate (Tolerates light roadside runoff) Larval Host Status Specialist Native Lepidoptera & Native Pollinators Specialist Insects & Wildlife Support Native Solitary Mining Bees (Andrena, Lasioglossum spp.), Bumblebees (Bombus spp. - Nectar & Pollen), Beneficial Flower Flies (Syrphidae), Native Songbirds (Winter Seed Forage) Ecological Function High Drought & Heat Resilience, Erosion Control on Dry Slopes & Kames, Early/Late Pollinator Forage Hub, Root Biomass & Soil Structure Improvement Coefficient of Conservatism (C-Value) 5 Germination Code / Stratification C(30) ACOE Wetland Indicator Status FACU Recommended Plug Spacing 12 to 18 on-center Plant Associates Schizachyrium scoparium or Andropogon scoparius (Little Bluestem), Bouteloua curtipendula (Side Oats Grama), Callirhoe involucrata (Purple Poppy Mallow), Oenothera macrocarpa (Missouri Evening Primrose), Dalea purpurea or Petalostemum purpureum (Purple Prairie Clover) Seed Packet Coverage Covers 100 to 250 sq. ft. Seeds Per Pound 100000.0 Broadcast Seeding Rate (PLS) 1.50 – 3.00 lbs/acre PLS Toxicity & Pet Safety Non-toxic / Safe for native wildlife & domestic pets Botanical Profile & Ecological Characteristics Glandularia canadensis plays a critical role in establishing healthy, diverse native plant communities throughout the Midwest. Adapted over thousands of years to regional climate patterns, seasonal temperature extremes, and variable moisture conditions, it develops a resilient root architecture (deep taproot system (18"+ depth)) that builds soil organic matter, improves water infiltration, and resists environmental stress. Rose verbena is a vibrant native wildflower that brings color and pollinator appeal to any garden. This low-growing perennial produces delicate clusters of rose-pink to magenta flowers throughout the growing season, attracting butterflies and bees while requiring minimal maintenance once established. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, rose verbena is drought-tolerant and perfect for rock gardens, borders, and naturalized landscapes. Its spreading habit makes it an excellent ground cover for difficult-to-plant areas. Native to central and southern regions, this hardy plant adapts well to various soil conditions and adds authentic regional character to native plant gardens. Sun Exposure Prairie/Savanna Soil Conditions Mesic, Dry-Mesic, Dry Height 1/2'-2' Flower Color Rose Pink to Magenta Flower Time June, July, August, September Faunal Associations & Specialist Wildlife Support As a vital resource in native ecosystems, Glandularia canadensis provides essential sustenance across multiple trophic levels: Larval Host & Pollinator Support: Specialist Native Lepidoptera & Native Pollinators. Specialist Floral Visitors: Native Solitary Mining Bees (Andrena, Lasioglossum spp.), Bumblebees (Bombus spp. - Nectar & Pollen), Beneficial Flower Flies (Syrphidae), Native Songbirds (Winter Seed Forage). Avian & Insect Forage: Flowers provide dense, accessible nectar and pollen during the peak growing season, followed by nutritious seed heads that feed native songbirds and overwintering wildlife. Native Plant Associates & Community Ecology In authentic Midwestern habitats—such as Limestone Glades, Rocky Prairies, Barrens, Dry Banks—Glandularia canadensis naturally co-occurs and establishes balanced, biodiverse communities alongside: Schizachyrium scoparium or Andropogon scoparius (Little Bluestem) Bouteloua curtipendula (Side Oats Grama) Callirhoe involucrata (Purple Poppy Mallow) Oenothera macrocarpa (Missouri Evening Primrose) Dalea purpurea or Petalostemum purpureum (Purple Prairie Clover) Landscape Applications & Restoration Guidelines Glandularia canadensis is well-suited for home landscaping borders, rain gardens, naturalized meadows, and conservation acreage alike. Plug Spacing: Space live plugs approximately 12" to 18" on-center for optimal crown development and contiguous ground coverage. Broadcast Seeding Rate: 1.50 – 3.00 lbs/acre PLS (when included in diverse prairie seed mixes). Regional Provenance: Sourced and propagated from regionally adapted Midwest ecotypes for maximum ecological fitness and cold hardiness. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What are the ideal growing conditions for Rose verbena? Glandularia canadensis performs best in full sun with dry (rocky glades, bluffs & prairies) conditions. It thrives in authentic regional soil types ranging from sandy loam to well-drained clay loams. How do I germinate and establish Rose verbena from seed? Seed of Glandularia canadensis has a germination code of C(30). For best results, sow seed in late fall/winter for natural outdoor freeze-thaw stratification, or cold-moist stratify in refrigeration for 30 to 60 days before spring indoor propagation. Is Rose verbena deer and herbivore resistant? Yes. Native plants adapted to Midwestern habitats naturally produce protective secondary compounds and fibrous textures that make them highly resistant to deer, rabbits, and other grazing herbivores. When should I expect Rose verbena to emerge and bloom? Established plants break dormancy in spring as soil temperatures warm, developing vigorous foliage before blooming in their seasonal window to provide vital nectar when native pollinators need it most.