‘Iron Butterfly’ Ironweed (Vernonia lettermanii 'Iron Butterfly') is a seasonal plant with purple flowers in late summer. They prefer dry to mesic soil in full sun where they grow up to 3 feet tall. They are a good choice for banks and slopes. Companion plants include Bradbury’s Bee Balm (Monarda bradburiana) and Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis).
Maintenance
Plants may need staking while in bloom. No other serious maintenance needs.
About
Light Requirements
Sun Moisture Requirements
Banks,
Slopes Soil Requirements
Loam,
Rock Height
Short Spacing
2 to 3 feet Category
Seasonal Attracts
Bees,
Butterflies,
Hummingbirds Illinois Native Plant Status
Not Native Bloom Time
July,
August Bloom Color
Magenta,
Purple,
Pink Seasonality
Fall,
Summer Sociability
Groups of 5-10 Other Notable Cultivars & Varieties
Vernonia ‘Southern Cross’