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Western Ironweed

Vernonia baldwinii

The bright purple flowers attract butterflies, bumblebees, and other native bees; one of the shorter ironweeds.

 

$3.00$290.00

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Description

Vernonia baldwinii, commonly known as Western Ironweed or Baldwin’s Ironweed, is a native perennial forb (wildflower). Although many of the ironweeds are indigenous to wetland areas, this species is one that is commonly found in drier soils including the Great Plains.

Wildlife notes

Primarily long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers visit the flowers for nectar. Short-tongued bees may collect pollen from the flowers, but they are non-pollinating. Among the bees, are such visitors as bumblebees, Epeoline Cuckoo bees, and Miner bees. Among the butterfly visitors, Swallowtail and Sulfur butterflies are particularly prominent. The caterpillars of some moth species feed on various parts of Ironweed, including Parthenice Tiger Moth, Red Groundling, and Ironweed Borer Moth. Mammalian herbivores generally avoid eating the foliage of Ironweed spp. because of its bitter taste. In pastures, Ironweeds tend to increase at the expense of other plants.

Forage notes

Livestock generally avoid eating the foliage of Ironweed spp. because of its bitter taste. In pastures, Ironweeds tend to increase at the expense of other plants.

Landscaping notes

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates both moist and dry soils. Plants grow taller in moist soils. Overall plant height may be reduced by cutting back stems nearly to the ground in late spring. Remove flower heads before seed develops to avoid any unwanted self-seeding. Easily grown from seed. Naturalize in cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, prairies or native plant gardens. Also effective as a background plant for borders.

Restoration notes

Habitats include upland areas of dry prairies, hill prairies, glades, openings in upland forests, thinly wooded rocky slopes, pastures, abandoned fields, areas along railroads, and miscellaneous waste areas.

This species is commonly used in the following mixes: Prairie Patchwork Mix

Videos About This Plant

To learn more about this plant, check out our videos about it and its uses.

Prairie Patchwork | Native Wildflower Mix

Additional information

Weight N/A
Unit

Packet, Ounce, Pound

Light

Full Sun to Part Shade

Soils

Dry, Average

Height

30"-54"

Bloom Month

Jul, Aug, Sep

Color

Purple

Specialty Uses

Butterfly, Medicinal

What is PLS?

Pure Live Seed (PLS) is the portion of good viable seed per pound. It is a measure of the seed that is alive and able to sprout into plants. This product is sold by PLS ounce/pound. To provide one ounce/pound of viable seed, you will receive more than one ounce/pound of product. Read more about PLS here.