Missouri Ironweed (Vernonia missurica)

A slender, showy ironweed that tolerates medium soil and minor drought. Easily grown with flowers that are attractive to many butterflies, including swallowtails, sulphurs, monarchs, and painted ladies! Will spread from rhizome but does not do so aggressively. The bitter foliage is deer resistant and hosts the caterpillars of the the lovely parthenice tiger moth.

Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic, Dry Mesic

Soil Type: Loam, Clay Loam, Gravely Loam

Height: 3’-5’

Bloom Color: Purple

Bloom Time: Jul-Oct

Root Type: Rhizome

Notable Wildlife Interactions: Flowers attract long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers. Hosts a few moths including the parthenice tiger moth.