Vernonia baldwinii
western ironweed
A clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial to 1.5m tall bearing flattened flower heads up to 30cm in diameter made up of 15-30 tiny purple flowers borne on stout, hairy stems from summer into autumn. The lance-shaped, deep green leaves have serrated margins and reach up to 17cm in length.
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- 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
- Plant range
- C & S USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a moist, light soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering and, if necessary, to prevent self-seeding
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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