Vernonia noveboracensis

Product Info

New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis)
Aster Family

New York Ironweed is a tall, robust wildflower typically seen growing by roadsides, old fields, and on forests edge. Plants can reach heights of up to 8' ,and typically stay very upright. Small purple flowers are produced in clusters at the top of the plant. Flowers are followed by numerous seeds attached to tan, hair-like achenes that are attractive through the fall until birds eat them. Thick stems can be home to stem-nesting insects over winter and through early spring--leave old stems up as long as you can. It will grow in a variety of habitats and can self-seed vigorously in the right setting. Plants also readily hybridize with other Vernonia species in the garden setting, making for unusual offspring. Overall this is a high-value plant for any pollinator garden or meadow. It is particularly attractive paired with grasses, and yellow blooming asters.

Blooms: Purple, 4-6 weeks, Jun-Sept
Leaves: Dark green, rough, large and rough textured,all the way up the stem
Height: 5-8’
Space: 2-3'
Soil: Average-Moist-Wet, tolerant of poor, clay soil
Exposure:  Full sun-Part sun-Part shade
Fauna: High pollinator value, moth and butterfly host plant, seeds for birds
Seeds:  Tan, hair-like achenes remain attractive through early winter
Deer Resistance: High
Zone: 5-9
Native Status:  NC native, common across the state
Provenance: NC, seed grown