Scientific Name:

Vernonia gigantea

Common Name:

Ironweed

Scientific Name Pronounciation:

ver-NON-ee-uh jy-GAN-tee-uh

Plant Type:

Perennial

Plant Hardiness Zones:

5-8

Plant Hardiness Zone(s):

Usual Size:

5-8 ft. H X 3-6 ft. W; may grow 10 ft. high in prime growing conditions.

Flower:

Rosy-purple, composite, blooming in dense, fluffy disks

Bloom Time Notes:

Summer

Leaf:

Lance-shaped to oval-shaped, with irregularly serrated edges, up to 10 in. long.

Fruit:

A seed.

Wildlife:

Butterflies and bees are attracted to the late summer blooms.

Natural Habitat:

Low woods, along streams, swamp borders, prairies and meadows; native to eastern U.S.

Propagation:

Seed

Bloom Time:

Sun or Shade:

Companion Plants:

Cultural Notes:

Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) grows easily in average soils with medium to wet moisture content; in the wild it is often seen in spots subjected to periodic flooding; does very nicely under cultivation in typical garden conditions; prefers full sun.

 

Other Common Names: Tall Ironweed

Other Scientific Names: Vernonia altissima

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