Vernonia lettermanii 'Iron Butterfly'

Ironweed

Vernonia lettermanii 'Iron Butterfly', or ironweed, is a compact, upright, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial. The finely textured leaves are thin and narrow, showy bright-purple flowers appear in mid to late summer. 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.

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

Spread:

24-36 in

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Characteristics & Attributes for Vernonia lettermanii 'Iron Butterfly'

Exposure

•

Sun

Soil Moisture Preference

•	Average
•	Moist

Attracts Wildlife

•	Butterflies
•	Hummingbirds

Critter Resistance

•	Deer Resistant

Season of Interest (Flowering)

•	Fall
•	Summer

Attributes

•	Naturalizing
•	Border or Bed
•	Rock Garden
•	Rain Garden
•	Cut Flower
•	Specimen
•	Clay Soil
•	Focal Point
•	Mass Planting

Great Companion Plants for Vernonia lettermanii 'Iron Butterfly'

Goldenrod (Solidago 'Little Lemon')

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa )

Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa )

Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis )