How to Grow and Care for Vernonia

Giant ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) is a plant species in the Asteraceae family and related to the sunflower. This species grows in countrysides and fields. Giant ironweed has flowers shaped like miniature pipes.

Baldwin's ironweed (Vernonia baldwinii) grows in big colonies, and should be planted where there's a lot of space like a large meadow. The flowers of this plant burst forth in early summer and survive until the first frost.

The ironweed, a wildflower with the potential to become an invasive weed in the eastern United States, is grown as a decorative plant in various types of gardens. This is a tall, clumping shrub that draws butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Parts of this plant are known to be used as herbal medicine by the Cherokee.

Missouri ironweed (Vernonia missurica) is a perennial herbaceous plant that will grow from 91 to 183 cm tall. It thrives in full sun to partial shade in average to wet soil. Commonly found growing in river bottom woods sedge meadows and wet prairies. Attracts a variety of bees. Blooms showy clusters of purple feathery flowers in summer.

Prairie ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata) is a perennial wildflower that produces bright purple flowers in clusters atop 1.8 m tall stems. It blooms from late summer into early fall. It is a host plant for the American Painted Lady butterfly and is an important plant for bees. Seeds are brown and fluffy and are dispersed by wind.