Narrow-leaf Ironweed Vernonia angustifolia
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Vernonanthura nudiflora
- Vernonia angustifolia subsp. mohrii
- Vernonia angustifolia subsp. scaberrima
- Vernonia recurva
- Phonetic Spelling
- vur-NO-nee-ah an-gus-ti-FOH-lee-ah
- Description
-
Narrow-leaf ironweed is a native herbaceous perennial in the daisy family (Asteraceae) native to the southeastern United States. It was first described by André Michaux in 1803. In nature, it occurs in sandy pine or mixed pine/hardwood forests, sandhills, along roadsides and disturbed forest areas.
The plant grows in clumps 2 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide in full sun to partial shade. It needs well-drained sandy soil and is drought-tolerant once established. Deadhead to promote additional blooms and to decrease self-seeding if desired. Propagate by stem cuttings and seeds.
In summer, clusters of magenta fluffy-looking flowers appear on well-branched, upright stems that are visited by multiple pollinators. The stems are clad in narrow medium to dark green leaves.
Use narrow-leaf ironweed in a meadow or other naturalized area. Use in the back of a border in the native, pollinator, drought-tolerant or rock garden.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Plum Peachy'
Dark purple flowers in summer
- 'Plum Peachy'
- 'Plum Peachy'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Plum Peachy'
Dark purple flowers in summer
- 'Plum Peachy'
- 'Plum Peachy'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Vernonia
- Species:
- angustifolia
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southeast US
- Distribution:
- AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC
- Wildlife Value:
- Flowers attractive to butterflies and bees. Members of the genus Veronia support the following specialized bee: Melissodes (Eumelissodes) denticulatus.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Colorful
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Wildflower
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Fine
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- 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:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Description:
- Displays from September to October.
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-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Corymb
- Panicle
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Flower heads are arranged in corymbs. Each head consists of 9-30 purple disc flowers. Blooms from June to September.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Rough
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Filiform
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Linear alternate leaves are medium to dark green.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
- Stem Description:
- Thick green stems with fine hairs are xylopodium, meaning that the stems are located underground and only the branches appear above ground. When young, the stems are striated with canals with hairs.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Pollinators
- Specialized Bees
