new york ironweed
Vernonia noveboracensis
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size4 to 6 feet tall3 to 4 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Purple
- Foliage color
- Dark green
- Soil types
- Loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
New York ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) is a perennial for borders, meadows, rain gardens, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to wet, loamy, clay, or chalky soil. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal. It grows 5 to 7 feet tall in a clump and bears flat-topped clusters of deep purple flowers. The flowers attract butterflies and bees, and the seed heads attract birds.
Pairs well with Joe-pyeweed, Big bluestem, Blue wild indigo, and Black-eyed Susan.
Native range
Eastern and southeastern United States.