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Herbaceous Perennial

Vernonia noveboracensis

New York ironweed

A tall, herbaceous perennial to 2m with stiff, upright stems carrying narrow, pointed leaves and topped with open, branched clusters of purple, thistle-like flowers in late summer and early autumn

Other common names
New York flat tops
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Vernonia are annuals, perennials, climbers, sub-shrubs, shrubs and trees, though only the perennials are in cultivation. They have upright stems, simple, stalkless leaves and flat branched heads of tubular purple or reddish pink, occasionally white, flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
E USA & New Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any light, moist soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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