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Writer's pictureKimberly Simmen

Native Plant of the Week: New York Ironweed

Updated: May 23, 2022

Family: Asteraceae


Name: Vernonia noveboracensis - New York Ironweed

Bloom Time: August - September


Flower: Magenta


Soil Condition: Average, Moist, Wet, Acidic


Light: Sun to Partial Sun


Height: 48-72" tall by


Native Range: Eastern and Southeastern United States including Long Island


Zone: 5 to 9


Vernonia noveboracensis is a very adaptable wildflower. It is just as happy in average garden soil as it is in soggy pond edge soil. It tolerates drought and partially sunny spots. A great plant for the back of the border as it is quite tall but it is not very wide. The color of the flower is absolutely gorgeous! The seed heads turn a lovely rusty brown color. Self sows readily in the garden. Makes a great 'thriller' (center plant) in a planter and a nice fresh cut flower.


Fun Fact: Native Americans used New York Ironweed as a pain reliever.

Maintenance: Cut back to the ground in late spring to control height and to have a more floriferous plant.


Benefits: Nectar source, late season pollinators, birds eat the seeds, deer and rabbit resistant, juglone tolerant (Black Walnut), clay tolerant, drought tolerant, host plant to several moth species


Companion Plants: Solidago speciosa - Showy Goldenrod, Symphyotrichum novae-angliae - New England Aster, Andropogon virginicus - Broomsedge

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