Verbena bonariensis is an annual or biennial herb that is not native to California.
There is a high risk of this plant becoming invasive in California according to Cal-IPC.
Wetlands: Arid West: Occurs usually in non wetlands, occasionally in wetlands Mountains, Valleys and Coast: Equally likely to occur in wetlands and non wetlands
[Wikipedia] Etymology: Verbena is derived from Latin, meaning sacred bough, in reference to the leafy twigs of vervaine (Verbena officinalis) which were historically carried by priests, used in wreaths for druidic rituals, and for medicine. Named by Virgil and Pliny the Elder. The common name, vervaine, comes from the Celtic name, ferfain.[3]
Its specific epithet bonariensis means from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos means good and aires means air (good air) (link added by Mary Ann Machi)
Calflora:
Information on California plants for education, research and conservation,
with data contributed by
public and private institutions and individuals.
[web application]. 2025.The Calflora Database
[a non-profit organization].Available:
https://www.calflora.org/(Accessed: 03/29/2025).
one or more occurrences