Prairie Ironweed
Vernonia fasciculata
Courtesy of Sally and Andy Wasowski, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Summary
One of more than a dozen native species of ironweed, prairie ironweed is most easily distinguished from others by its slightly shorter stature and smooth, hairless foliage. Named for its tough stem, the intense rose-purple blooms stand out in the late summer landscape, attracting many butterflies and other pollinators. Once blooms have faded, the dark, rigid stems topped with contrasting fluffy seed heads offer beautiful late season interest.
While this stately plant occurs naturally in moist soils and tolerates brief flooding, it grows equally well in average garden soils.
More Details
FAMILY
Asteraceae (Aster)
BLOOM TIME
August-September
FLOWER
purple
MATURE SIZE
4-5 feet
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
Sun to part shade
SOIL CONDITIONS
average to moist
NATIVE STATUS
Native to Midwest U.S.
Ecosystem Connections
The pollen and nectar provided in the large, flat-topped clusters of flowers attract a wide array of bees, beetles, flies, butterflies, skippers, and other insects. At least two species of digger bees are specialized to collect pollen primarily from ironweed species.
Many other kinds of insects eat the leaves or flowers, bore into the stems or roots, or suck the sap of ironweed. These include midge, moth, and beetle larvae, aphids, stink bugs, grasshoppers, tree crickets, and katydids. Some species of moths use ironweeds as their larval host plants, as well as the American painted lady butterfly.