Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta) is a gorgeous prairie native that is more compact and than its more popular relative Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata). Hoary vervain is the host plant of the Common Buckeye butterfly and its seeds are an important food source for small mammals and birds. While it self-seeds readily, hoary vervain does not compete well against more aggressive wildflower varieties and tall native grasses. Note, seeds are very small.