Vernonia lettermannii 'Iron Butterfly' (Ironweed) Unity Grown

'Iron Butterfly' is a cultivar of  Vernonia lettermannii, also called narrowleaf or Letterman's ironweed, grown for its violet-purple flowers and its lower growing behavior compared to other Vernonia species. Though Vernonia lettermannii is truly native to only Arkansas and Oklahoma, 'Iron Butterfly' plants grow to only 2-3' tall and wide, making it a great pick for smaller gardens, and are additionally strongly anchored by a central taproot that allows them to tolerate seasonal drought and erosion. Beyond its small stature, the 'Iron Butterfly' cultivar was also bred for its rapid growth rate and its extended bloom period, which ranges from mid-summer until autumn, when its vibrant purple flowers attract a number of bees and butterflies as well as hummingbirds. 

Vernonia lettermannii 'Iron Butterfly' is additionally tolerant of poor, dry, rocky, and alkaline soils, making it a great choice for even stubborn garden spaces; in fact, 'Iron Butterfly' grows more consistently in drier sites, producing denser foliage and flower set. Since it tolerates such harsh conditions, it's obvious to see the 'Iron Butterfly' cultivar's usefulness in rock gardens or on eroding slopes, but its pollinator value makes it a great addition to meadows, garden beds, and any number of naturalized plantings. In addition to its general ecological and ornamental value, Vernonia lettermannii 'Iron Butterfly' is also a Top Performer in the newest Mt. Cuba Center Trial Garden report, Vernonia for the Mid-Atlantic Region, receiving 4.1 out of 5 possible points for its compact growth habit, floriferous habit, and high disease resistance.