Perennials
Vernonia lettermanii 'Iron Butterfly'
Ironweed
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.
Additional:
'Iron Butterfly' comes from Dr. Allan Armitage's trials at the University of Georgia.
Nectar source for the following butterflies-Monarch, Orange Sulfur, Pecks Skipper, Sachem Skipper, Silver Spotted Skipper, Swallowtails
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.
Height:24-36 in |
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Spread:24-36 in |
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Hardiness Zone:4 - 9 |
Characteristics & Attributes for Vernonia lettermanii 'Iron Butterfly'
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Exposure
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Soil Moisture Preference
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Attracts Wildlife
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Critter Resistance
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Season of Interest (Flowering)
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Attributes
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Great Companion Plants for Vernonia lettermanii 'Iron Butterfly'
Goldenrod
(Solidago 'Little Lemon')
Butterfly Weed
(Asclepias tuberosa )
Bee Balm
(Monarda fistulosa )
Willowleaf Sunflower
(Helianthus salicifolius 'Autumn Gold')
Similar Plants to Vernonia lettermanii 'Iron Butterfly'
Slender Mountain Mint
(Pycnanthemum tenuifolium )