Latin Name: Vernonia noveboracensis
Height: 4 – 8 feet
Spread: 3 – 4 feet
Sunlight: Full Sun
Bloom Time: August to September
Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Description:
Ironweed is a tall native flower with fluffy purple flowers in late summer, drawing in the pollinators. As the flowers fade, they are tinged by a rusty iron color. They give way to rusty colored seed heads. Remove spent flowers to prevent self-seeding if so desired. If a shorter plant is desired for the season, cut stems back in late spring. This will also encourage a bushier plant and more blooms later. Stems provide a winter habitat to many native bees, so only cut back to 1-2 feet at varied heights. Flowers can be cut and enjoyed fresh.
Attracts: Bees; Butterflies; Hummingbirds
Other Names: New York Ironweed; Tall Ironweed