Ironweed
Named for its tough stem, Ironweed has excellent upright form in the garden. The intense purple bloom color stands out in the late summer landscape, attracting many butterflies and other pollinators. While this tall stately plant occurs naturally …
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
|---|---|
| Soil Moisture | Moist |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Height | 4' - 6' |
| Bloom Color | Purple |
| Bloom Time | July, Aug, Sep |
| Spacing | 18" |
| Hardiness Zones | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| Root Type | Fibrous |
| Benefits | Butterflies, Pollinators, Host Plant, Deer Resistant |
| Seeds per Oz | 20000 |
| Propagation Treatment | Moist Stratification |
| Days to Moist Stratify | 30 days |
| Direct Sowing Time | Fall |
Named for its tough stem, Ironweed has excellent upright form in the garden. The intense purple bloom color stands out in the late summer landscape, attracting many butterflies and other pollinators. While this tall stately plant occurs naturally in moist soils and tolerates brief flooding, it grows equally well in average garden soils. The plant height may be reduced by cutting-back the stems in late spring. Ironweed can be an aggressive spreader by seed when the site conditions are favorable. Self-seeding can be mitigated by removing some of the flower heads before they go to seed. However, the dark rigid stems topped with contrasting fluffy seed heads do offer beautiful late season interest. Effective in tall borders, cottage gardens, rain gardens and wildflower meadows.
Ironweed is one of several larval host plants for Vanessa virginiensis (American Lady). It is also host to the Ironweed Borer moth.
