New York Ironweed

Did you know

• Ironweed gets its common name from its incredibly tough, wiry stems that are nearly impossible to break by hand.
• The intense purple color of its flowers is among the richest purple hues found in any native wildflower.
• It was named after William Vernon, an English botanist who collected plants in Maryland in the 17th century.
• Ironweed is an important late-summer nectar source for butterflies, particularly swallowtails and monarchs.
• Farmers historically disliked ironweed because it was a sign of overworked pasture and its tough roots were difficult to remove.

Color meanings

Uses

• native garden
• pollinator garden
• rain garden
• ornamental