Vernonia – Ironweeds

Vernonia is a genus of about 350 species of annuals, perennials, climbers, sub-shrubs, shrubs and trees, though only the perennials are in cultivation. Found in South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and North America, they have upright stems, simple, stalkless leaves and flat branched heads of intense purple or reddish pink, occasionally white, flowers. They are a great source of pollen and nectar for valuable pollinators such as butterflies (monarchs, American and painted ladies, eastern tiger swallowtails, skippers and sulfurs), bees and bumblebees. Easy to grow and low care, they do well in home landscapes.