New York Ironweed (PA Ecotype)

Vernonia noveboracensis

Origin: Eastern United States

Improvement status: Wild

Seeds per packet: ~480

Germination tested 6/2021: 8% (0% hard seed, 77% dormant seed)

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. A good meadow plant. It prefers full to partial sun. Blooms between July and September.

Indigenous peoples are reported to have used ironweed for medicinal purposes, 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. Makes a range of dyes from forest green to yellow and gold.

Our seed was produced by our friends at Ernst Conservation Seeds in Meadville, PA.

GROWING TIPS: For germination, cold-moist stratify seeds for 60 days or direct-seed in the fall.