Vernonia fasciculata
prairie ironweed
A clump-forming perennial with upright, smooth, leafy stems to 1.2m high. Leaves are lance-shaped, toothed and deep green, and evenly spaced up the stem. In autumn, tight clusters of small violet flowers are produced on branched stems above the foliage. Flowers are followed by rusty red seedheads
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Purple | Green | Red Brown | |
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Vernonia are annuals, perennials, climbers, sub-shrubs, shrubs and trees, though only the perennials are in cultivation. They have upright stems, simple, stalkless leaves and flat branched heads of tubular purple or reddish pink, occasionally white, flowers
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a light, moderately fertile, moist soil preferably in full sun but will tolerate partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division; will self seed freely if not deadheaded
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Wildflower meadow
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering and, if necessary, to prevent self-seeding
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and leaf miners
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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