Vernonia noveboracensis - New York Ironweed

Vernonia noveboracensis - New York Ironweed


Butterfly FriendlyFull Sun
DESCRIPTION
New York Ironweed
Vernonia noveboracensis

A fluffy haze of deep purple flowers is often covered by a parade of butterflies in late summer. Other beneficial insects feed on the nectar and the pollen. This lovely clumping native adapts well to any moist to normal soil.

Benefits

  • Abundant nectar source for butterflies and other pollinators
  • Good source of pollen for beneficial insects
  • Old stems and flower heads provide winter cover for beneficial insects
  • Statuesque plants don't need staking and make a good focal point in late summer
  • Tolerant of a wide range of soils and conditions
NATIVE INFO

Native Range

Low woods, ditches and marshes; mainly near the coast; Massachusetts to Pennsylvania south to Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida.

Map Credit: The Biota of North America 
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)

 

INTERESTING FACTS
This plant's common name is attributed to certain "iron-like" plant qualities including the tough stems, the rusty color of fading flowers and the rusty colored seeds, as well as it's iron-like constitution.

 

GROWING TIPS

 

Plant in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soils and conditions, but prefers rich, slightly acidic soils that remain moist. Remove flower heads before seed develops to prevent unwanted self-seeding. If you want shorter plants, cut back stems nearly to the ground in late spring Leave the stems standing through winter to provide cover for beneficial insects.

 

Mature Size: 30-36" Tall x 30-36" Wide

Hardiness Zone: 4-9

Sun Exposure: Full Sun

VIDEO
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    American Beauties Offer Solution Based Plant Collections to Help you Choose

    Quick Tips for Choosing Plants:

    • Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines increases biodiversity and gives wildlife a source for food, cover and nesting
    • Choose a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees so birds and other wildlife will always be able to find shelter
    • Plant trees and large shrubs where they will block winter winds from the house and shade it in summer, that will save energy and lower your carbon footprint
    • Try your best to buy plants that were grown locally, your independent garden center will be your best bet
    • Think about ultimate height and width of the plant you choose, make sure it will fit the space you have for it when it's reached maturity
    • Plant nectar plants in groups, to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects more easily
    • Ask for help if you need it. Most garden centers either have a landscape designer on staff or they can give you a reference of a designer that is adept at native plant wildlife gardening. There will be upfront costs but they are small when compared to having to redo a landscape that wasn't what you really wanted

    Our Plant Tags Hold the Secrets to Success

    Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice. 

    When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife. 

    A Special Note About Exposure

    Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
    Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
    Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.

    DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

    Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download

    Best Plants for Butterflies - Double sided printout for download

    Best Plants for Birds - Double sided printout for download