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Click for previous Image Image 1 of 4 Vernonia altissima Giant Ironweed

Marty Kraus, 6'6" tall, stands with Vernonia gigantea

Vernonia altissima

Giant Ironweed

Plant Type:

SUN PERENNIALS

Vernonia altissima (syn. V. gigantea) – This Giant Ironweed has bees, butterflies and customers abuzz when they see it! It grows to a spectacular height of 8’ to 9’ seasonally and very possibly taller with phenomenal dark purple flowering so dense it looks like a flying purple carpet atop those tall stems. This plant is not for the faint of heart! It is the latest blooming Ironweed of which we know – always blooming late season into the fall. It’s wonderful with tall-growing Joe-pye weeds such as Eupatorium fistulosum 'Bartered Bride', large Miscanthus grasses like Miscanthus floridulus (syn. M. giganteus), Buddleia davidii ‘White Profusion’, Helianthus giganteus ‘Sheila’s Sunshine’ and the like. All of these are terrific bee and butterfly plants except for the Giant Ironweed is a clumping perennial and a great wildlife plant. This will likely arrive a large bare root clump, well-wrapped to keep the roots good and moist... have a hole ready to go and we're good.


Height:

8-9 ft

Spread:

5-6 ft

Colors:

Purple

Zone:

(3)4 to 9(10)
What is my hardiness zone?

Characteristics and Attributes for Vernonia altissima

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Late Summer

Nature Attraction

  • Honey Bees & Native Bees
  • Deer Resistant
  • Butterflies

Light

  • Full Sun
  • Mostly Sunny

Attributes

  • Border
  • Wildlife Garden
  • Specimen
  • Natural Garden

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Medium

Soil

  • Fertile
  • Draining

Origins

  • Eastern North America

Propagated By

  • Division

Genus Overview: Vernonia

Common Name: Ironweed

These are the Ironweeds with large heads of deep dark violet-purple flowers mid to late season depending upon the species. They are very good wildlife plants as bees and butterflies are drawn to them. We have seen as many as four species of butterflies at one time on a single stand in the late summer. All prefer moist to draining fertile soil in plentiful sun where they will reward you year after year with their welcome displays. They look terrific with other late blooming perennials such as goldenrods, Joe-pye weeds, perennial sunflowers and ornamental grasses. All are pot grown by division.