great ironweed
Vernonia arkansana
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size3 to 5 feet tall3 to 4 feet wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Pink-purple
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Great ironweed (Vernonia arkansana) is a perennial for borders and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. Pink-purple flowers attract butterflies, bees, and birds. Deer tend to browse other plants first. It grows 36 to 60 inches tall and spreads 36 to 48 inches, so give it room.
Pairs well with Karl Foerster feather reed grass, Horsetail, and Gladiolus.
Native range
Northern and central United States.