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Stunning for its height and the profusion of flowers it produces, Vernonia noveboracensis can exceed 6'. It is a robust plant— hence the common name 'ironweed'— that bears large terminal clusters of fluffy, vivd purple flowers. The deep-green leaves are lance-like and add an ornamental value to the plant when not in bloom.

Vernonia noveboracensis does very well in a wide variety of soils, including poorly drained ones. Typically found growing in moist to wet areas, low-lying meadows and streambanks, it is also quite tolerant of dry spells and is perfectly adapted to average garden conditions. It prefers full to part-sun, but can also handle some open shade. Because of its size, it is best planted in the back of a flower bed where it will provide a colorful backdrop in late summer through early fall. [source: izelplants.com]

Photo: Wikimedia Commons | Krzysztof Ziarnek

Larval Host for the

4-6'

3-4'

SIZE

SOIL

Dry, Moist, Wet

LIGHT

Sun, Part Shade

BENEFITS

Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

NOTES

The height of the plant may be controlled by cutting it back hard in late spring. This will also promote the growth of additional flowering stems.

CHARACTERISTICS

Deer Resistant, Clumping, Will Naturalize, Showy Flowers

August, September

Flower

This 

flowers in

New York Ironweed

Vernonia noveboracensis

DETAIL VIEW

DESCRIPTION

Stunning for its height and the profusion of flowers it produces, Vernonia noveboracensis can exceed 6'. It is a robust plant— hence the common name 'ironweed'— that bears large terminal clusters of fluffy, vivd purple flowers. The deep-green leaves are lance-like and add an ornamental value to the plant when not in bloom.

Vernonia noveboracensis does very well in a wide variety of soils, including poorly drained ones. Typically found growing in moist to wet areas, low-lying meadows and streambanks, it is also quite tolerant of dry spells and is perfectly adapted to average garden conditions. It prefers full to part-sun, but can also handle some open shade. Because of its size, it is best planted in the back of a flower bed where it will provide a colorful backdrop in late summer through early fall. [source: izelplants.com]

Photo: Wikimedia Commons | Krzysztof Ziarnek
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