Vernonia glauca

Common Names

Upland Ironweed, Broadleaf Ironweed, Ironweed, Broad-Leaved Ironweed

Summary

Vernonia glauca is a native eastern North American perennial in the Asteraceae family, known as Broadleaf Ironweed or Upland Ironweed, it forms upright, clump-forming growth to about 3–5 feet tall with a 2–4 foot spread, and bears lance-shaped leaves with deep purple flower clusters carried in August to September, giving a tall, bold silhouette in sunny borders, the plant attracts butterflies and other pollinators, adding seasonal color with its blooms. For cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade in well-drained soils and tolerates a range from dry to moist, with drought tolerance once established; hardy in USDA zones 6–8; suitable for borders, mass plantings, butterfly gardens, or as a cut flower or dried arrangement plant; self-seeds readily and is generally pest resistant.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-5 feet

Spread

2-4 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

Acidic to alkaline, wide pH range, no strict pH requirement

Bloom Color

Purple

Bloom Time

Summer to Fall

Foliage Color

Green, blue-green, gray-green, slightly whitish cast on the backs of leaves

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators