Description
Narrow-leaved ironweed (Vernonia lettermannii) typically reaches 4 to 5 feet tall, with slender green leaves on upright stems. Bright purple flowers bloom in clusters at the stem tips in early fall, providing food for butterflies and other pollinators. US native. Full sun. Perennial; Zones 4 to 9.
Please be aware that if you are looking for the cultivar ‘Iron Butterfly’, these seeds will not (or rather, are extremely unlikely to) produce plants that share the same compact habit and amsonia-like foliage of that vegetatively propagated cultivar. The species plants tend to get taller, the width of their generally narrow leaves varies, and the color of the flowers can range from rich purple to pinkish purple. I think the species plants are garden-worthy in their own right, however. You get the splendid late-season flower display of the more common tall ironweeds but on scaled-down plants that are much easier to fit into a home-garden border or meadow garden.
Collected in mid October 2022. At least 20 seeds. Unknown ecotype.
Please read the germination information as well before ordering.
Cheryl Gebbie (verified owner) –
Followed the directions and planted 15 seeds and nine are up. Once I transplant into pots, is it better to water from top or bottom? Don’t want to do wrong thing. Thank you
Hi Cheryl! Great to hear that the seeds did well for you. More seedlings may still come along in the next few weeks. You can water however you like; just don’t let them dry out completely and they should be fine.
-Nan
Julie Vance (verified owner) –