Vernonia noveboracensis (New York Ironweed) Unity Grown

Vernonia noveboracensis, commonly referred to as New York ironweed, is a tall, clump-forming perennial wildflower noted for its towering height and its profuse, small, purple flowers that bloom in large clusters from the late summer to mid-autumn. Growing to around four to seven feet tall, New York ironweed is commonly found in low, open woodlands and along stream banks through much of the eastern US. Flowers are composite, fluffy-looking, and a striking shade of fuchsia, attractive to a wide range of pollinators including a number of butterflies found throughout Maryland; dried flowers present seedheads that are highly attractive to birds.

Tolerant to deer browsing, and wet, heavy clay soils, Vernonia noveboracensis is naturally found in wetter areas in the wild, but will tolerate drier areas in the home garden as well. New York ironweed is a great choice for naturalizing in open-field conditions, but is equally adaptable to wildflower and pollinator gardens.