Verbesina alternifolia aka Wingstem

Verbesina alternifolia is a perennial wildflower in the daisy family. Gardeners call it wingstem or yellow ironweed. It comes from North America, with a broad United States range. It grows in woods, fields, and along roads and rivers. In North Carolina, it occurs in the Piedmont and mountains. Its wild sites include rich, damp slopes and shaded lowlands. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This upright plant can reach 8 feet (2.44 metres) tall. Its garden spread can reach 6 feet (1.83 metres). It grows at a moderate rate and loses its leaves. The green main stem branches near the top. Thin wings run down the stem beside long white hairs. The leaves join these wings at their bases. Each simple leaf sits in an alternate pattern. Leaves range from oval to narrow and lance-shaped. They reach about 0.83 feet (0.25 metres) in length. Their upper sides feel rough, while their undersides look paler. Hairs grow along the veins below. Leaf edges may be smooth or have small teeth.

Yellow flower heads appear from July through October. Each head has rays that bend back from the centre. The raised centre has a greenish-yellow tint. Rounded panicles hold the heads above the leaves. The flat, oval fruits are achenes with wings. They appear in fall. Bees visit the blooms, and the plant attracts butterflies. Its leaves feed larvae of the gold moth and summer azure. They also feed larvae of the silvery checkerspot.

Grow wingstem in full sun or partial shade. It does well in moist, rich soil with good drainage. It accepts clay, loam, and sand, and tolerates some dry spells. Sites that turn wet at times also suit it. It grows easily from seed. North Carolina State lists USDA zones 4–8 for this species. Chicago Botanic Garden gives a narrower range of zones 5–7.

Wingstem suits native gardens, wildflower meadows, and loose cottage plantings. Woodland edges and pond or stream margins also suit it. Sources differ on its value in a formal border. Some list border use; Missouri Botanical Garden favours natural plantings. Its height and yellow blooms give it a clear presence. Deer and rabbits tend to resist feeding on it. Strong spread can make it weedy, so space matters.