New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis)
New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis), Hardy, late summer to fall-blooming, North American perennialDescription: Small, fluffy, deep purple flowers in 3-4" terminal clusters on tall, erect stems; alternate, lanceolate, deep green leaves Habit: Grows 4-7' tall and forms clumps 2-4' wideCulture: Prefers full sun and moist to wet soils; tolerates some dry conditionsHardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 5Origin: Eastern USAttributes: Showy flower; deer tolerant; low maintenance; rain gardensThis tall and showy wildflower is native to moist meadows, roadsides and stream banks throughout much of the eastern United States. First named Serratula noveboracensis by Linnaeus in 1753, Andre Michaux recorded it as Vernonia noveboracensis in his flora of North America (Flora Boreali-Americana, 1803). Perfect for the back of the border, rain garden, or threaded throughout a meadow, New York Ironweed is a good nectar source for bees and butterflies, and the seed heads are foraged by birds. Deer are not attracted to this plant.Arrives in a 2.5" quart pot.