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Vernonia noveboracensis

Also Known As

Ironweed
New York Ironweed

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 4'-6'
W: 4'

planting zones

5a-10b

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Vernonia noveboracensis plant details

Vernonia noveboracensis is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Vernonia noveboracensis

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 - 4 FT - wide, 4 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, screen

GROWING CONDITIONS for Vernonia noveboracensis

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Vernonia noveboracensis or New York ironweed makes an impressive specimen for the middle to back of the border reaching 4-7 feet tall, depending on conditions, with lance-shaped leaves and clusters of fluffy, warm purple to purple-pink flowers followed by rusty colored seeds. The flowers are irresistible to butterflies and bees. Perfect for the moist, sunny border and in cottage and pollinator gardens. It is an eastern US native and almost makes it to Ontario. Possibly hardy to zone 4b. Deer resistant.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Majestic plants with large dark-green leaves and flat-topped clusters of royal-purple flowers on stately 3-9' stalks; on the edge of the ?wild? garden this makes ?an impressive flowering spectacle in late summer and fall? (M. Dietz). S-PSh/M-W

By: Forestfarm

Same deal visually as most of the other vernonia - 4-6 feet, big heads of purple flowers. This is the more Eastern species, wild distribution not really making it out to the prairies, so the best choice for gardeners East of Ohio or so who want a truly native plant for their garden. Zone 3.

By: Arrowhead Alpines

A late summer blooming native, Ironweed reaches a height of 4-5' depending on available moisture and is a great compliment to Artemisia lactiflora and Chasmanthium with its clusters of rosy purple asters.