Vernonia angustifolia (Tall Ironweed)

Vernonia angustifolia (Tall Ironweed) is a clump-forming perennial boasting dense, broad, flattened clusters of tiny, fluffy, magenta-purple, finely petaled flowers in summer. Each glorious flower head may consist of up to 9-30 purple disc flowers. Attractive to bees, birds, butterflies and hummingbirds, the blossoms are borne atop stiff, upright stems clad with numerous narrow, lance-shaped, deep green leaves. The flowers give way to an achene (fruit) with tan or purplish pappus. Native to the southeastern United States, Tall Ironweed occurs naturally in pine woods, in mixed pine-hardwood forests, in sand hills, on roadside banks, and in disturbed woodlands. As a tall, narrow plant, Tall Ironweed is suited for the back of the border or tight spaces and grows well in the native meadow garden. It is a good choice for rock gardens, butterfly gardens or dry sandy perennial borders where little else will grow.

• Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm).
• Performs best in full sun or light shade in sandy, dry to mesic, well-drained soils. Tolerates poor soil. Once established, it has good drought tolerance.
• Excellent choice for beds and border, cottage gardens, rock gardens, wildflower gardens, prairies and meadows.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and avoid unwanted self-seeding.
• Propagate by seed, cuttings or division. Sow seed in fall for spring germination
• Native to the southeastern United States: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North and South Carolina.