Vernonia missurica, commonly known as Missouri Ironweed, is a tall, native perennial wildflower found in moist prairies, wetlands, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in medium to wet soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Growing 3 to 6 feet tall, this plant produces striking clusters of deep purple flowers from mid to late summer, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its upright growth and lance-shaped leaves provide excellent structure in naturalized plantings.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Vernonia missurica is an excellent choice for rain gardens, pollinator gardens, and prairie restorations. It pairs well with other moisture-loving natives like Swamp Milkweed, Joe-Pye Weed, and Goldenrod. Its seeds provide food for birds in the fall, adding to its ecological benefits. This ironweed is also deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established, making it a resilient addition to diverse landscapes.
Vernonia missurica, commonly known as Missouri Ironweed, is a tall, native perennial wildflower found in moist prairies, wetlands, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in medium to wet soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Growing 3 to 6 feet tall, this plant produces striking clusters of deep purple flowers from mid to late summer, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its upright growth and lance-shaped leaves provide excellent structure in naturalized plantings.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Vernonia missurica is an excellent choice for rain gardens, pollinator gardens, and prairie restorations. It pairs well with other moisture-loving natives like Swamp Milkweed, Joe-Pye Weed, and Goldenrod. Its seeds provide food for birds in the fall, adding to its ecological benefits. This ironweed is also deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established, making it a resilient addition to diverse landscapes.
Bloom: late summer to early fall
Habitats: areas along railroads; edges of lakes; limestone glades; moist to mesic black soil prairies; openings and edges of woodlands; overgrazed pastures; seeps; swamps; vacant lots
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to mesic
Plant type (height): forb (3 to 6 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: clay-loam; fertile loam; somewhat gritty texture from exposed glacial till and gravel
