Narrowleaf Ironweed
Vernonia lettermannii 'Iron Butterfly'
Asteraceae
Growth habit
Herbaceous
Perennation
Perennial
Location
Houston and Grossman Ponds, Palmer-Kinne Dogwood Collection, Bioswale Garden, Groundcover Collection
Source of plant
Meadowbrook/We-Du Natives, North Creek Nurseries, Fairweather Gardens, Avant Gardens
Description
Selection of an Arkansas native from Dr. Allan Armitage's trials at the University of Georgia. It has lovely fine foliage like Amsonia hubrichtii and is a compact, well-branched and vigorous plant. In late summer it is covered with true purple flowers that attract plenty of butterflies. Found in rocky flood plains, Vernonia lettermanii is very tolerant of hot dry locations, yet can withstand brief periods of inundation.
USDA Hardiness Zone
4
Special characteristics
butterfly plant, foliage characteristics