Vernonia gigantea (Giant Ironweed)

Vernonia gigantea (Giant Ironweed) is a tall, clump-forming perennial boasting dense, broad, flattened clusters of tiny, fluffy, intense purple, finely petaled flowers in late summer and early fall. Each glorious flower head may consist of up to 30-50 flowers. Attractive to birds and butterflies, the blossoms are borne atop stiff, upright stems clothed in lance-shaped, deep green leaves. They give way to fluffy, rusty seed clusters. As a tall, narrow plant, Giant Ironweed is suited for the back of the border or tight spaces and grows well in the native meadow garden and along ponds and streams.

• Grows up to 5-8 ft. tall (150-240 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in average, medium to wet soils.
• Excellent choice for beds and border, cottage gardens, wildflower gardens, prairies and meadows, rain gardens.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
• Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and avoid unwanted self-seeding.
• Easily grown from seed.
• Native to eastern North America.