Vernonia lettermanii 'Iron Butterfly'

Vernonia lettermanii 'Iron Butterfly', or ironweed, is a compact, upright, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial. Grown for its vigorous growth, compact habit, and floriferous nature. The finely textured leaves are thin and narrow, showy bright-purple flowers appear in mid to late summer. The bitter-tasting leaves are not appealing to deer.

The sheer number and variety of insects drawn to their profuse display of late-season purple flowers is astonishing. The only plant group with greater insect visitation in a Chicago Botanic Garden trial was Pycnanthemum (Mountain Mint). The flowers attract bevies of butterflies, skippers, moths, native bees and the occasional hummingbird.

Ironweed Growing and Maintenance Tips:

Easily grown in well-draining soils of average fertility in full sun. Tolerant of various soil conditions, including hot, dry, rocky, and alkaline. Also tolerant of occasional flooding and drought once established.