Vernonia noveboracensis (New York Ironweed)

A splendid and robust garden plant, Vernonia noveboracensis (New York Ironweed) is a tall, clump-forming perennial boasting loosely branched clusters, 3-4 in. across (7-10 cm), 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 butterflies, the blossoms are borne atop stiff, upright stems carrying lance-shaped, deep green leaves. They give way to fluffy, rusty seed clusters that are devoured by hungry birds. As a tall, narrow plant, New York Ironweed is suited for the back of the border or tight spaces and grows well in the native meadow garden.

• Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in average, medium to wet soils. Tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay, but prefers rich, moist, slightly acidic soils. It will flourish in regular or dry soil too.
• Excellent choice for beds and border, cottage gardens, bog gardens, rain gardens, wildflower gardens, prairies and meadows.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
• Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and avoid unwanted self-seeding.
• Propagate by seed, division or softwood cuttings.
• Native to eastern North America.