Characteristics
A perennial wildflower, Vernonia glauca attracts butterflies, skippers, moths, and native bees in uplands woods, dry or mesic meadows, fields, roadsides, and sunny gardens. Their foliage is made up of lance shaped leaves that are toothed, dark green, and about 8 inches long, and 3 inches across. The lower leaves are typically whitish or glaucous. In late summer, their foliage gives way to their compact, flat topped flower corymbs that are densely packed with clusters of deep purple disc florets. As they mature, they fade to a soft tan color.
Maintenance:
Full sun is preferred. Drainage is important, while they prefer dry, moist, or mesic soils.
Pests
Upland Ironweed is pest resistant, however it may sometimes be nibbled on by deer and other herbivorous critters.
Vernonia glauca
Upland Ironweed
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Height: 3 to 5 feet
Spread: 2 to 4 feet
Bloom: Purple, August to September
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Naturalize, Rain Garden
Flower: Showy
Tolerate: Deer, Clay Soil, Wet Soil