ironweed
Vernonia lettermannii
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2 to 3.5 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Bloom color
- Purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Ironweed (Vernonia lettermannii) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Purple flowers open from early to late summer and attract butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and birds. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice. It also tolerates drought.
Pairs well with Dense blazing star, Little bluestem, and False indigo.
Native range
AR and OK.