Vernonia noveboracensis aka New York Ironweed

Vernonia noveboracensis, or New York ironweed, is a tall perennial wildflower. It belongs to the aster family, Asteraceae. Its native range covers the eastern and southeastern United States. It grows throughout North Carolina, from coast to mountains. This plant loses its leaves at the season's end. Its upright form suits the rear of garden borders.

Garden plants reach about 5–8 feet (1.5–2.5 m) tall. Their usual spread is roughly 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m). RHS gives a narrower spread of 1.6–3.3 feet (0.5–1 m). Chicago trials recorded plants spreading 6 feet (1.8 m). Growth proceeds at a moderate pace. The stiff, leafy stems range from green to rusty brown. Some stems are smooth; others bear stiff hairs. Green leaves grow in an alternate pattern along each stem. Each narrow leaf has fine teeth and a pointed tip. The leaf undersides have soft hairs. Leaves measure about 0.5–0.7 feet (0.15–0.20 m) long.

Deep purple flower heads form loose clusters at stem tips. Their small disc flowers lack the outer rays of daisies. The branched clusters give the flowers a soft, fluffy look. Bloom runs from July into autumn, reaching October in some accounts. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers. Brown, rust-toned achenes follow from August to October. Songbirds eat the seeds. Dead, hollow stems also provide nest sites for native bees. These traits give the plant value in wildlife gardens.

Grow this ironweed in full sun or partial shade. It prefers rich, moist soil but also accepts wetter ground. Clay, loam, and chalk soils suit it. Acid soil suits its preference, though neutral and alkaline soils also work. Sources rate it hardy in USDA zones 5–9 and RHS H7. It fits rain gardens, meadows, and pond or stream edges. Its height also suits cottage gardens and prairie-style planting. The flowers work well for cutting.

This plant needs little upkeep and resists deer well. Sources report no major insect or disease problems. Slugs may still cause damage. Remove spent flowers to extend the bloom season. Spring pruning can keep plants shorter. Raise new plants from seed or divide established plants. It naturalizes readily in suitable garden conditions. Leave some dead stems standing to support nesting bees. The supplied sources do not establish human edibility or toxicity.