Large, iridescent, red-violet, flat-topped flower heads on top of tall, strong stalks from mid-summer to fall give a rich display of color. An attractive plant from head to toe, not a “weed.” Sizable plant for the back of beds and rain gardens. Dark-green, lance-shaped leaves. The longhorn bee is hyperactive in summer and named for the long antennae of the males. Many bees, butterflies, and skippers use the nectar and pollen. Foliage is food for many herbivorous insects. Part of our Pollinator Buffet plant tag series.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Ironweed
Vernonia fasciculata
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Prairie
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Purple, Red
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data


Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High

Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects

Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Pollinators

Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Size
Height:
3 to
4
feet
Spread:
24 to
36
inches
Size
Height: 3 to
4
feet
Spread: 24 to
36
inches
Size
Height: 3 to
4
feet
Spread: 24 to
36
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Great with the strong yellow blooms of goldenrod, cup plant and others that bloom during the same season.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grows well in almost any soil, preferring moist and wet areas, but will survive long periods of drought. Can be pinched-back in June to reduce the flowering height.
Special Features
Special Usage
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!
Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.