Bamboos are a woody perennial plant that belongs to the true

grass family called Poaceae [source: ScienceDaily.com]. The

plant’s size varies from species to species from giant timber to
small annuals. Bamboo evolved around 30-40 million years ago
after the dinosaurs died out. It is famous for growing very
quickly since it can grow up to 91–122 centimeters in a single
day. That means that it actually grows up to 3.8-5.0 centimeters
in an hour!

Bamboo species are mainly divided into two main types: runners
and clumpers. Clumper bamboo trees grow into a slowly
expanding tuft while runners produce shoots several meters
away from the parent plant. The Chinese names for different
bamboo trees all contain the character ‘竹’. It is pronounced as
‘zhu’.

Table of Contents
 Clumper Bamboo
o Fargesia Bamboo

o Guadua Bamboo

o Giant Bamboo

o Chilean Bamboo

 Runner Bamboo
o Arrow Bamboo

o Dwarf Green Stripe Bamboo

o Black Bamboo

o River Cane Bamboo

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Clumper Bamboo

Clumping bamboo is popular since they aren’t any invasive

species and stay in their assigned territory. Their underground
stems called rhizomes are different from other timber or non-
clumping bamboo. They actually make a u-shape instead of
spreading horizontally. The new culms appear next to the
parent plant and only spread a few inches annually. They can
grow up to 8-25 feet, depending on the species of bamboo.

Fargesia Bamboo
Fargesia is a clumping bamboo that belongs to the flowering
plant section of the grass family. It is native to China but can be
found in some areas of eastern Himalayas and Vietnam. Some
species of the Fargesia are cultivated as ornamental plants like
the fountain bamboo or umbrella bamboo.

The Fargesia develops small to medium mountain clumps.

These are mostly found in the alpine conifer forests of many
regions in East Asia. They are called ‘Jian Zhu’ in Chinese, which
means arrow bamboo. The scientific name, Fargesia, was given
to them in honor of a French botanist called Père Paul
Guillaume Farges.

These special clumping bamboos are actually known as the

world’s hardiest bamboos but aren’t an invasive species. They
are the favorite food of the cute Giant Pandas. The decrease in
the number of Fargesia had the worst effect on the population
of pandas in China. They are now available in many nurseries
over the world since they are affordable and have thick
clumping habits.

Guadua Bamboo
Guadua is part of the Neotropical genus and is a thorny
clumping bamboo type. It is a moderate to large species of
bamboo known as the largest Neotropical bamboo types in the
world. There are many animals that depend on the Guadua
bamboo as an instrumental part of their diets such as the
Atlantic Bamboo Rats and Amazon rats.

This bamboo type is mostly found in Uruguay to all the way to

Trinidad and northern Mexico. The largest concentrations of the
species are found in Orinoco and Amazon basin. The trees are
usually found in low altitudes fewer than 1,500m, but some
species can live in altitudes higher than 2,500m. They are found
in all sorts of habitats including savannas, gallery forests, lower-
montane forests, lowland tropical forests, and inter-Andean
vegetation in the valleys.

The Guadua is an important American bamboo since it is widely

used for the construction of houses in coasts and river banks of
Ecuador and Colombia. The building material is popular since it
has great watershed protection qualities. The bamboo is even
used for its mechanical properties as vegetable steel.

Over-exploitation has led to the depletion of its natural

numbers. We need to ensure sustainable cutting of this bamboo
since Guadua is more effective at removing carbon dioxide from
the air than many other tropical trees.

Giant Bamboo
The Giant Bamboo known as the Dendrocalamus Giganteus is a
giant subtropical and tropic clumping bamboo. It is native to
Southeast Asia and is one of the largest species of bamboo in
the world. These grayish-green bamboos grow in close clumps
and usually reach a height of 30 meters (98 feet). It goes rather
quickly and can grow up to 40 cm a day in favorable conditions.
It is commonly found growing along river banks in low and high
altitudes. The bamboo is native to Thailand, Myanmar,
Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, India, and Bangladesh.

The culms of the bamboo are straight and have a powdery

appearance. When dried, the color turns to a brownish green
and has a smooth surface. The young shoots of the Giant
Bamboo are a blackish purple color.

The Giant bamboo is popularly used in India for bridge

construction. It is also used as reinforcement of concrete,
scaffolding, ladders, house frames in walls, tiles, and floor
coverings. Its leaves are commonly used for thatching.

Chilean Bamboo
Chusquea Culeou is commonly known as the Chilean bamboo
and is a species of the flowering plant of the Poaceae grass
family. This evergreen bamboo is native to South America and is
generally a frost tolerant species. It is widely cultivated in
temperate regions and is native to southwestern Argentina,
humid forests of Chile, and rainforests of Valdivia.
Chilean bamboo is a very important plant since it controls the
patterns of forest dynamics. It impedes the regeneration of tree
species so that they don’t grow too hurry and die off from the
cold. They grow up to a height of 8m or 26 feet. They are
clumping bamboo and form a substantial clump when
conditions are favorable. They have hair lanceolate leaves that
have a spine of the end, and their flowers are a light brown
color. Blooming periods can last for 60 years and the plant dies
after releasing its seeds. Unlike most bamboos, the stems of the
Chilean bamboo are completely solid.

The cane of the bamboo could grow up to 6m and was initially

used by Aboriginal tribes to make the pole of their spears. They
are also used to make trutruca, which is a musical instrument.

Runner Bamboo

Running Bamboo is categorized after its rooting characteristics.

There are two main types of rhizome developments. Running
bamboo exhibits monopodial or leptomorph rhizomes that are
known for the independent undergrounds stems they produce.
Running bamboo are found in almost all climates of the world.

Arrow Bamboo
Pseudosasa japonica is commonly known as Japanese arrow
bamboo. The name comes from when Japanese Samurai used
the stiff, hard canes of the bamboo to make arrows. They are
native to Korea and Japanese regions like Kyushu, Honshu, and
Honshu. They are also grown in plant zones 6-10 in the United
States from Florida to southern Connecticut.

The arrow bamboo is a cold-hardy species can tolerate

temperatures till 0 °F/−17.7 °C. It can grow in full sun or shade
and has palm-like leaves. The leaves grow up to 5-13 inches in
length. It is typically a yellow-brown color and can even survive
in containers and near salty air.

Dwarf Green Stripe Bamboo

Dwarf Green Stripe bamboo’s scientific name is Pleioblastus. It is
the East Asian genus of the monopodial bamboo. The plant is
native to Japan and China, as well as New Zealand, Europe,
Korea, and the Western Hemisphere.
This bamboo is known for its chartreuse leaves with green
stripes, which look absolutely beautiful in early summer and
spring. The bamboo is partially deciduous even in mild winters.
This is why it is mowed to the ground in spring by gardeners to
maintain its attractiveness.

It is cold-hardy and survives up to 0° F, but some species can

even survive the intense colds of Minnesota. The bottom side of
the leaves of this bamboo is covered in fine hair. This makes the
bamboo highly-resistant to bamboo mites. The plant spreads
vigorously through underground rhizomes. They run along
beneath the soil’s surface and produce small plantlets at the
nodes. They are used to propagate new plants, but gardeners
should be careful. If they aren’t removed properly, they can
become invasive.

Black Bamboo
Phyllostachys is commonly known as Black Bamboo and
belongs to the genus of Asian bamboo. It is native to southern
and central China, as well as the Himalayas and northern
Indochina regions. Some species have adapted and naturalized
in Australia, America, southern Europe, and Asia.
The culm or stem of the black bamboo forms a prominent
groove called sulcus. This runs along the length of each inter-
node or segment of the bamboo. The black bamboo is
identified by this unique feature since it helps the bamboo
spread aggressively through underground rhizomes.

The species of Phyllostachys grows up to 30m or 100 feet tall if

the conditions are optimal. The larger species of the black
bamboo is known as timber bamboo since it is often used to
make furniture and in construction. Other species are used as
ornamental plants even though they are prone to cause trouble.
They are an invasive species that need to be grown in
containers or restricted artificially. Some species can also be
grown as bonsai trees.

River Cane Bamboo

Arundinaria Gigantea has common names like Giant Cane and
River Cane. It is native to the south-central and southeastern
regions of the United States like Texas, Oklahoma, and
Maryland. It has two main subspecies called the Arundinaria
Gigantea and ssp. Gigante. The former is generally called the
switch cane plant.
It grows in wet habitats and is a perennial grass type. The cane
has a rounded, hollow stem which can grow up to 10m or 33 ft
tall. It uses a large network of thick underground rhizomes to
spread. It has lance-shaped leaves, and its inflorescence has
panicles or racemes. A single individual cane can live for about a
decade. It produces flowers and seeds irregularly, based on the
conditions around it.

This River Cane Bamboo can be found in many different places

since it grows in pine, oak, ash, cottonwood, and cypress forests.
Many other plants like the creeping blueberry, wax myrtle, blue
huckleberry, and more use it as a support system. The canes are
found on pine barrens, savannas, pocosins, bogs, floodplains,
riparian woods, and more. They are wildfire tolerant but easily
flood.

The Cherokee have always used this species of bamboo for

basketry, as well as maintain canebrakes through periodic
burning and cutting. After the European settlement on their
lands, the practice was halted which led to depletion of River
Cane Bamboo numbers. This nearly led to the loss of the art of
basket making, which is still an important part of the economy
of the Cherokee people. It was also widely used by many
indigenous people to make blowguns, bows, arrows, medicine,
flutes, walls, candles, knives, tobacco pipes, sleeping mats, fish
traps, and more.

Bamboo is a versatile plant that can be used to create a number

of things and used for multiple purposes. It should be protected
so that its numbers don’t deplete since many animals and
habitats depend on the bamboo tree.

Return to all plants and flowers

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14 Most Common Types of Verbena

Flowers (Photos)
With their bright and vivid hues, verbenas are a real garden
treasure. Some species trail while others form colorful
mounds and bring life wherever they grow. Check out the
different types of verbenas here.

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Verbena, sometimes also called vervain, refers to a genus of

annual and perennial plants in the Verbenaceae flower family.
The genus consists of approximately 250 different species of
flowering plants, most of which are native to Asia and America.
Verbenas are renowned for producing small but showy flowers
 of mostly pink and purple shades although other varieties also
produce blue, red or white blossoms.

Due to their hardiness, verbenas have always been prized

amongst novice and expert gardeners alike. Characterized by
their rapid growth, verbenas are heavy bloomers that can turn
an otherwise plain garden into a dazzling display of colorful
hues in no time. Be it groundcover, flowerbeds, containers, and
baskets or even wall cover and window boxes, verbenas are the
ideal choice for various uses. So, whether you need a flowering
plant for a certain purpose or are just looking for the next best
plant to grow in your own backyard, rest assured there is a
verbena that will meet your gardening tastes and preferences.

Read on to discover the top-most types of verbena and learn

more about the features, characteristics, growth and
maintenance needs of these gorgeous beauties.

Table of Contents
 Types of Verbenas According to Growth
o Trailing Verbenas

o Upright Verbenas

o Moss Verbenas (Verbena Tenuisecta)

o Annual Verbenas

 Common Types of Verbena

o Purpletop Verbena (Verbena Bonariensis)

o Brazilian Verbena (Verbena Brasiliensis)

o Blue Vervain (Verbena Hastata)

o California Vervain (Verbena Californica)

o Tuberous Vervain (Verbena Rigida)

o Texas Rose Verbena
o Blue Princess Verbena
o White Vervain (Verbena Urticifolia)
o Mint Vervain (Verbena Menthifolia)
o Narrowleaf Vervain (Verbena Simplex)
Related: Sun-Loving Flowers  |  Water-Loving Flowers  |  Shade-
Loving Flowers  |  Types of Flowers  |  Types of Flowers by
Color  |  Types of Flowers by Alphabet  |  Types of Flower Colors

Types of Verbenas According to Growth

Trailing Verbenas
As the name suggests, trailing verbenas are species of verbena
that follow a long and spreading growth pattern. These are
usually grown in hanging pots and window boxes where they
can ‘trail’ out of the container, as well as near the edge of walls
in order to cover it as it grows.

Needless to say, trailing verbenas require proper maintenance

and periodic pruning to keep the vines in shape. Also, the dead
stems must be trimmed and removed in time; otherwise they
will start to rot. Trailing verbenas are available in multiple colors
that include pristine white, white with pink lines, dark purple,
bright pink, rich red, pale lavender and so on.

Upright Verbenas

Unlike the trailing species, upright verbenas are plants that

grow in a straight and upright manner. Their stalks can reach up
to 6 feet high and laden with flowers, and for sure will catch
every eye from afar. Upright verbena species are good for
forming perennial borders or for growing along fences.
Moss Verbenas (Verbena Tenuisecta)

Verbena tenuisecta or moss verbenas are called so because

their delicate foliage features leaves that are so fine that they
resemble moss. Reaching an average height of about 5 to 6
inches, this species has the lowest growth amongst all other
verbena varieties but looks equally stunning nonetheless. Moss
verbenas are the ultimate fit for rock gardens but are also
grown commonly besides (or in between the rocks
in) walkways in a regular garden. They can tolerate frost but
bloom only during late summer and early fall.
Annual Verbenas

Verbenas are basically a perennial species which means that

they generally live for up to two years or more. However, many
types of verbena only flower once, completing their life and
withering away within one year of plantation. But gardeners
simply couldn’t let that get in the way. Therefore, the ‘annual’
variety of verbenas was bred by scientists to satisfy the craze for
growing these magnificent charmers. As the name suggests,
annual verbenas life for an entire year but what is different is
that instead of blooming in summer like most of the naturally
found varieties, these hybrids bloom almost all year round. So, if
you are looking for plants that will truly provide long-lasting
color in your garden throughout the whole year, then opting for
annual verbenas is your best bet.

This type of verbenas is a large occupant of many nurseries and

is available in various colors such as white, pink, purple, red and
a blend of different hues.

Common Types of Verbena

Purpletop Verbena (Verbena Bonariensis)

Verbena Bonariensis also goes by various other names such as

Purpletop vervain, Argentinian Verbena, Tall Verbena as well as
Pretty Verbena. This variety originated from South America
where it is a common sight in most of the warm regions of
Colombia, Chile, Brazil, and Argentina. Therefore, purpletop
verbena is often simply called South American Vervain in its
native regions.

The plant is a true upright variety that can grow up to 6 feet tall
and spread 3 feet across. The dull purple blossoms are strongly
fragrant, appear during mid-summer and continue to provide a
soothing sight for sore eyes until the first frost falls. Verbena
Bonariensis is a pollinator attractor so, when you grow this
variety also prepare to welcome a swarm of buzzing bees and
cheerful butterflies flying in and out of your garden.

Brazilian Verbena (Verbena Brasiliensis)

The term Brazilian verbena or Brazilian vervain is often used

interchangeably for the purpletop verbena, but the true
Brazilian verbena is actually a different species altogether.
Although it is native to South America or to be more precise,
Brazil, the species has spread rapidly to other regions and is
perceived as an invasive weed.

The Brazilian Verbena is an herbaceous plant which means that

it grows as a low-lying shrub. Usually featuring purple shades,
this type of verbena produces rich clusters of five-lobed and
tubular flowers coupled with small and indented leaves.
Brazilian Verbena is widely spotted in natural areas as well in
home gardens in various parts of North America, such as
Oregon, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Virginia,
Hawaii and many more.

Blue Vervain (Verbena Hastata)

Verbena Hastata, also known as the Blue vervain, American
vervain or Swamp verbena is an herbaceous plant in the
Verbenaceae family. Commonly seen all across North America,
this type of verbenas is quite similar to the true Brazilian
verbenas except that it can survive under more harsh weather
conditions and produces beautiful blue flowers instead of
purple ones.

Blue vervains are quite different from most of the other varieties
in the sense that instead of growing in clusters, the flowers
grows on thin and long individual branches that join together at
the other end, giving the plant a unique and sophisticated look.

California Vervain (Verbena Californica)

California Vervain or the Red Hills vervain is a rather rare species

of verbena whose growth is mostly limited to the Tuolumne
County in California. The plant features small and slender, grass-
like leaves on hairy stems that bear miniature purple flowers.
The flowers contain five petals that grow closely together in
small bunches.

California Vervain is unique to about a dozen spots in the Red

Hills mountain range and has been listed under the endangered
species because of being threatened by various factors such as
cattle grazing, mining, trash dumping and other human
interferences that damage its natural habitats.
Tuberous Vervain (Verbena Rigida)

Verbena Rigida or Tuberous Vervain is sometimes also called

slender vervain due to its delicate plant structure. This type of
verbenas is a herbaceous shrub that grown an average of 24
inches high. The plant also spread widely across and is,
therefore, a good choice for garden beds as well as growing in
pots and containers besides pool and patios. The leaves are
toothed and stalkless and accentuated by the vibrant purple
and magenta blossoms. Tuberous Vervain flowers are
considerably scented and growing them in large patches will
uplift the place with a dreamy fragrance. Although original
verbena rigida features hues of purple, the species has been
interbred to create different cultivars and hence, you can now
choose tuberous verbenas from a wide range of colors.
The plant is native to South America but can be easily grown in
home gardens in North America so long as there is sufficient
sunlight and proper soil conditions. What makes tuberous
vervain really fascinating is the shape of their petals, which look
like a half hearts joined together in a circular ring (see close-up
image below)

Texas Rose Verbena

A hybrid species, this type of verbena is not just a true perennial

but also a real stunner. With intense pink flowers that are
highlighted by the lively greens, the Texas Rose verbena is the
preferred choice when it comes to quickly filling up empty
spaces in the garden or nurturing a plant that will survive and
flourish for a long time.
Blue Princess Verbena

Another hybrid species, this type of verbena was bred to

produce bright blue flowers. However, don’t be confused by the
name. Blue Princess verbena is not always blue. While their
blooms can be mild blue in color, most plants actually produce
lavender-colored light purplish-blue blossoms that are hardy up
to zone 10. These showy flowers start blooming from early
spring and continue well until the end of fall season. These
verbenas grow in round clusters that contain lots of five-petal
flowers arranged in a bunch.
White Vervain (Verbena Urticifolia)

Verbena Urticifolia, also called nettle-leaved vervain or more

commonly as white vervain is one of the true types of verbena
flowers. This herbaceous species is a perennial which means it
has an average lifespan of two or more years. White verbena
got the alternate name nettle-leaved vervain because the
leaves, stem and flower stalks are all covered in soft bristles.
Starting from early summer, the plant produces small buds on
racemes (spikes like structures) that blooms open into
pristine white flowers. However, some plants in Verbena
Urticifolia also produce slightly bluish-white flowers as well.

The seeds and fruits of white verbenas are equally unique – dark
purple capsules with miniature brown seeds.
Mint Vervain (Verbena Menthifolia)

The Verbena Menthifolia species commonly known as mint

vervain or mint-leaved verbena is native to northern Mexico and
the southwestern United States. This species prefers open and
dry habitats and grows up to a maximum of 75 cm tall. The
leaves are hairy and relatively small whereas the flowers grow as
inflorescences (clusters) on slender upright stems.

Narrowleaf Vervain (Verbena Simplex)

Verbena Simplex is another type of verbenas that is more

commonly referred to as the narrow leaf verbena. This
herbaceous plant originates from North America and flourishes
best when grown in dry and open lands that have calcium-rich
soil. Verbena simplex produces flowers that have a similar color
as that of lavenders and bloom excessively throughout the
summer months.

Aren’t these flowers really appealing? When the winds of

summer blow, it’s time for verbenas to grow. Plant these
modest charmers in your own backyard, and you will surely
relish the sight once these flowers bloom.

Return to all flowers.

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