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; plants grow 2-3' tall and wide, and are strongly anchored by a central taproot that allows it 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. 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.