Vernonia noveboracensis
Origin: New England
Improvement status: Wild
Seeds per packet: ~75
Germination tested 10/2024: 62%
Life cycle: Perennial
Ironweed is a beloved native perennial wildflower with striking purple flowers. Plants can grow up to 6 feet tall. This is a classic wetland plant, though it can thrive in fairly well-drained soils as well, making it a good meadow plant. It prefers full to partial sun. Blooms between July and September.
Indigenous peoples are reported to have used ironweed for various medicinal purposes, including making tea from leaves for relief from childbirth pain and as a blood tonic. Root teas were used for loose teeth, stomach ulcers, and hemorrhaging. The plant also can make a range of dyes, from forest green to yellow and gold.
Our seeds come from our friend Aaron Parker of Edgewood Nursery in Falmouth, Maine.
