Vernonia baldwinii aka Western Ironweed

Vernonia baldwinii is a perennial known as western or Baldwin's ironweed. It belongs to the aster family, Asteraceae. Its native range covers north-central and east-central parts of the United States. Chicago Botanic Garden describes its range from Minnesota south to Texas. There, it grows in the drier soils of the Great Plains. This plant suits temperate climates and loses its leaves each year.

It forms upright clumps and spreads through rhizomes below ground. RHS gives a garden height of 3.3–4.9 feet (1–1.5 metres). Chicago reports plants about 6 feet (1.8 metres) tall. Spread ranges from 1.6–3.3 feet (0.5–1 metre) in the RHS account. Chicago gives a width near 4 feet (1.2 metres). Thick, hairy stems carry deep green, lance-shaped leaves. The leaves have toothed edges and reach 0.56 feet (0.17 metres) long. Plants take two to five years to reach full size.

Small purple flowers form broad, flat clusters above the leaves. These clusters can reach about 1 foot (0.3 metres) across. RHS describes groups made up of 15–30 small flowers. Flowering runs from summer into autumn, with Chicago listing July through October. The late blooms add height and color when many borders fade. The plant draws both butterflies and birds to the garden. Deer tend to leave it alone.

Grow western ironweed in full sun or part shade. RHS recommends light, moist soil with good drainage. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sand. It also grows in acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Missouri Botanical Garden notes tolerance of drought and dry ground. It also lists clay and shallow, rocky soil among tolerated conditions. Chicago lists moderate watering needs. The plant grows in USDA zones 5–9. RHS rates it H7 for cold hardiness.

Use it in prairie plantings, native gardens, or wildflower meadows. Its height also suits the back of a border. It fits cottage gardens and can supply cut flowers. Care needs are low, with few reported pest or disease problems. Remove spent blooms to extend flowering and limit unwanted seedlings. Propagate it from seed or divide established clumps. These sources provide no information on edible parts or toxicity.