TheNaturePlanet

In the colorful world of flowers, we often encounter some puzzling phenomena. One of them is that some flowers look extremely similar in their blooming forms. In particular, Verbena bonariensis and lavender, these two herbaceous plants, are often mistaken for the same kind of flower.
So, how can we quickly distinguish them from details in daily life? Let's explore in depth together.
Although Verbena bonariensis and lavender look similar in appearance, in fact, they belong to different families and genera. Verbena bonariensis is a perennial upright herbaceous plant with a tall stature, reaching a height of 1.5 meters.
On the other hand, lavender is a low - growing shrub, usually 30 - 80 centimeters in height. Compared with Verbena bonariensis, it is much shorter.
If we place the two kinds of flowers side by side, their flowers and leaves are different. The flower shape of Verbena bonariensis is umbrella - like, with small flowers growing from the top of the flower stem. The flower colors are purple - red or light purple. In contrast, the flower shape of lavender is like a whorled umbel, with densely clustered flowers. The flower colors are pink, blue, and purple. Looking at the leaves, the leaves of Verbena bonariensis change at different stages. They are oval when young and gradually turn into a willow - leaf shape as they grow, showing different forms. Compared with the leaves of lavender, its leaves do not change. They are linear, small, and have a phenomenon of curling outwards.
Then, we can also quickly distinguish them by their scents. If you lean over and smell, the flower fragrance of Verbena bonariensis is very faint, almost imperceptible. In contrast, the fragrance of lavender is very strong, especially that of narrow - leaf lavender. Because it has oil glands almost all over its body, when touched, the oil glands break and the fragrance gushes out. As long as there is lavender planted at home, you can smell its fragrance as soon as you open the door.
Finally, we can also distinguish them from their origins. Verbena bonariensis is native to Europe and is now cultivated all over China. It mostly grows on roadsides, slopes at higher altitudes, or beside small streams. Lavender is native to France, Italy, and other places. In China, it mainly grows in Xinjiang.