New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis)

New York ironweed is a tall, clump-forming perennial with slightly rough stems that bear lance-shaped, deep-green leaves. Small flower heads occur in large, loosely branched, flat-topped, terminal clusters. Flowers are all of the disc type and deep reddish-purple in color. Tall stem branches toward the summit, with each branch bearing a cluster of deep lavender to violet flower heads; together, clusters form a loose spray.

Ironweed is a Host Plant for: American Lady, Crossline Skipper, and more Ironweed is a Nectar Plant for: Sachem, Fiery Skipper. Flowers are attractive to butterflies, bees and other pollinators. Songbirds eat the seeds. Members of the genus Vernonia support the following specialized bee: Melissodes (Eumelissodes) denticulatus.

Vital details:
Size: 3-5’ x 9-18”
Light: Full sun, partial shade
Water: Fertile, moist soil
Hardiness: 2-9
Pollinator value: Host Plant for: American Lady, Crossline Skipper, and more Ironweed is a Nectar Plant for: Sachem, Fiery Skipper. Flowers are attractive to butterflies, bees and other pollinators.
Notable features: purple flowers, native, attracts hummingbirds, attracts butterflies.
Plant name: New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis)