Vernonia gigantea

Common Name: Giant ironweed

Plant Size: 1 g

This ironweed variety is a top performer from Mt. Cuba Center’s trial garden, which generously provided us with the seed to grow these plants on-site in the UDBG nursery. This variety native to the whole eastern half of the US is found along creeks, woodland edges and moist meadows. It produces deep magenta flower heads in loose terminal clusters from early-September to mid-October.  Butterflies love the blooms on this towering perennial!

Mature Size: 5-8′, sometimes up to 10′;   Light: Sun/Part Shade;   Water: Average/Wet

Photo credit: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center