Vernonia noveboracensis aka New York Ironweed

Taxonomy

Vernonia noveboracensis, also known as the New York ironweed or vein-leaf hawkweed, is an upright, clump-forming perennial plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to the eastern United States, it can be found from Florida to Massachusetts and west to Tennessee, Alabama, and West Virginia, extending even to southern Ontario. This herbaceous wildflower grows to a height of 5 to 8 feet, boasting clusters of fluffy, white flowers on sturdy stems from late summer to early autumn. With its deep purple flowers, it was rightfully chosen as the 2004 NC Wildflower of the Year.

Common names

New York Ironweed, Vein Leaf Hawkweed

How to care for New York Ironweed

Difficulty

Caring for New York Ironweed is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

New York Ironweed should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

New York Ironweed loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

New York Ironweed requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Vein Leaf Hawkweed is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the New York Ironweed should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the New York Ironweed as it grows vertically.


More info:
Wikipedia