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Broadleaf Ironweed Vernonia glauca

Phonetic Spelling
ver-NON-ee-uh GLAW-kuh
Description

Appalachian Ironweed is a native wildflower in the daisy family that is typically found along stream banks and in low-lying areas in rich wooded areas.  Numerous sources indicate that this plant is rare. 

It has been said that the common name Ironweed comes from its rigid, tough stems as well as the rust color of the faded flowers.

Cutting the plant back in the spring will promote the growth of additional flowering stems.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Although it is pest resistant, deer are attracted to this plant.  

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#drought tolerant#native perennial#stream banks#NC native#deer browsing plant#self-seeding#pollinator plant#native wildflower#dried arrangements#rare#food source fall#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source nectar#food source pollen#compact habit#food source hard mast fruit#Audubon#colonizing#compact
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#drought tolerant#native perennial#stream banks#NC native#deer browsing plant#self-seeding#pollinator plant#native wildflower#dried arrangements#rare#food source fall#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source nectar#food source pollen#compact habit#food source hard mast fruit#Audubon#colonizing#compact
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Vernonia
    Species:
    glauca
    Family:
    Asteraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    United States
    Distribution:
    AL, DC, DE, GA, MD, MS, NC, NJ, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV
    Wildlife Value:
    Pollinated by insects. Attracts butterfly, bees, birds, and hummingbirds.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Buffer
    Screening
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Wildflower
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Description:
    Displays from August to October
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Corymb
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Irregular
    Flower Petals:
    more than 20 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Large terminal clusters of strap-shaped, fluffy flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Lanceolate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Deep green leaves with gray-green underside. The underside is whitish and has hairs. Contains stem leaves but no basal leaves. Its leaves are large, up to 8" long and 3" wide.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Patio
    Slope/Bank
    Walkways
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rain Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Barrier
    Border
    Hedge
    Mass Planting
    Screen/Privacy
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Insect Pests