Species New York ironweed
magenta-white flowers with maroon bud, green leaves and brown-green stems

New York ironweed

Vernonia noveboracensis

New York ironweed is a native perennial wildflower to eastern North America. It grows up to 6 feet tall in full sun with medium-moisture soil. The flower has deep purple heads growing in clusters atop tall, sturdy stems. The flowers bloom in summer providing a wonderful source of nectar for butterflies and other pollinators. The foliage is lance-shaped and has a light, pleasing aroma. Ironweed is a hardy and long-lived plant that will be enjoyed by gardeners for many years.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Root Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

New York ironweed can be watered during its active growth, roughly from spring to fall. These plants should be watered deeply, approximately 1-2 inches of water, 2 times per week. However, if the weather is unusually dry or hot, this frequency may need to be increased. Ensure that the soil around the plant is completely saturated with water, to the depth of 5-6 inches. During winter months, it is not necessary to water New York Ironweed, as the plant will go dormant. Be sure to monitor weather patterns and supplement with water only during dry periods.

sunlight

New York ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) prefers full sun to partial shade, but, depending upon its location, it can tolerate some shade. The optimal amount of sunshine for this plant species is 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It prefers warmer temperatures and can tolerate cooler areas, as long as it is exposed to appropriate amounts of sunlight throughout the day. It is best grown in moist soils with good drainage. Though it prefers full sun, it can tolerate some shade during midday when the temperatures are highest.

pruning

New York ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) does not require much pruning. It is best to wait until the blooming period in the summer is complete and new growth appears in the fall. Dead or diseased stems should be trimmed to the ground or to healthy buds. Encouraging branching by cutting the stem tips back by 1-third during the fall season may also benefit the plant's appearance and growth. New York ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) should not be pruned more than once a year and should not be cut back beyond 1-third of the total stem length.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Vernonia noveboracensis typically begins in August and continues through October.

Starts Flowering

Vernonia noveboracensis typically starts flowering in July.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Vernonia noveboracensis typically begins in August and continues through October.

Hardiness Map