Ironweed or Common Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata) offers unusually brilliant purple flowers on top of 6-8' tall stems. Blooms between July and September. Seeds are fluffy brown that disperse nicely in the wind. Ironweed can be started in a garden setting with fall planting or after two months of moist-cold stratification. Thrives in moister soils with full to partial sun. Great plant for a tall backdrop.
Sun Exposure | Prairie, Savanna |
Soil Moisture | Wet Mesic, Mesic |
Bloom Time |
Summer, Fall July, August, September |
Bloom Color | Purple |
Max Height | 6 feet |
Wetland Code | FACW |
Germ Code | C(60) |
Seeds Per Ounce | 24,000 |
Vernonia is named in honor of English botanist, William Vernon and fasciculata is from the Latin word for "clustered, grouped together".
"Found throughout the Tallgrass Prairie area wet sites, roadsides and marshes. Deep purple flower heads up to 6 inches across in bloom from July to September; stems often reddish color; leaves are sharp-toothed and have pits on the undersides. The common name ""Ironweed"" is derived from the tough nature of this plant. It is unpalateable to both humans and animals, so it is often left standing in grazed areas; it is also very fibrous.
Edible Uses: Unknown
Medicinal Uses: Unknown
Herbal Uses: Unknown