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Giant Ironweed

Vernonia gigantea

Also known as: Tall Ironweed

Towering stems crowned with dense, flat-topped heads of brilliant, intense purple flowers command attention in late summer wetlands and meadows. A robust, deer-resistant architectural perennial that draws legions of butterflies and bees. Pair with tall goldenrods for a striking late-season contrast.

Family

Asteraceae

Type

wildflower

Lifespan

perennial

Height

5–8 ft

Spacing

3–6 ft apart

Light

sun, part shade, shade

Soil moisture

moist

Soil pH

acidic, alkaline, neutral

Bloom

August, September, October

Bloom colors

purple

Wildlife value

pollinators, butterflies

Landscape uses

border, naturalizing

Native states

AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV