ironweed
Vernonia missurica
USDA zones4 to 9
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size3 to 5 feet tall3 to 4 feet wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Magenta purple
- Soil types
- Loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Ironweed (Vernonia missurica) is a perennial for borders, rain gardens, and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun and average to wet, loamy or clay soil. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal. Magenta purple flowers open in early to late summer and attract butterflies and bees. It grows 36 to 60 inches tall, so place it at the back of a bed.
Pairs well with Swamp milkweed, Royal fern, and Bottlebrush buckeye.
Native range
Central North America.