purpletop vervain, Verbena bonariensis

There are about 150 species of Verbena spread around the world. Quite a few have become popular in flower gardens, including purpletop. It is originally native to tropical America. The specific name 'bonariensis' means from Buenos Aires. Purpletop has seized the moment and spread to the wilds of the world, and sometimes into invasive plant status. Here it has been reported from AL, AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, HI, IL, LA, MA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, VA, ON, and QC. Cultivated, Lenawee Co MI, 7/15/13. Vervain family, Verbenaceae.