Vernonia glauca

Appalachian ironweed is an herbaceous perennial in the daisy family (Asteraceae) native in the southeast United States and north to Pennsylvania.  Found in its native habitat in open woodlands, cleared forests, dry meadows, creek slopes, and roadside banks. The genus was named after William Vernon, an English botanist who collected plants in Maryland.  The specific epithet refers to the glaucous leaf underside.  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.l 

At maturity, it reaches 3 to 5 feet in height and approximately 3 feet in width.  Tolerant of all soils and prefers average to dry moisture in full sun.  Prune in the spring to promote additional flowering stems and to maintain a shorter height. Propagate by seed or soft stem cutting. 

Provides an excellent source of nectar for butterflies and bees in late summer and early fall. Due to habitat loss, it is endangered in some states, like Pennsylvania.  It is more tolerant of dry soils than other species in this genus.  The dried seedheads provide winter food for birds.  Native bees nest in the dead, hollow stems, so gardeners are encouraged to cut back dead stems to 12 to 24 inches and allow them to remain standing until they disintegrate on their own. Read more about best practices for stem-nesting bees in this NC Extension publication.

Plant in the back of a perennial border as an accent or mass planting, especially in a dry sunny site. Due to its soil tolerance, grow it in rock and rain gardens in addition to pollinator, native, cutting, and cottage gardens, and woodlands.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Although it is pest-resistant, deer are attracted to this plant.  It can be affected by powdery mildew and rust.