Vernonia gigantea, or New York Ironweed, is a 6-8 foot tall, tough perennial with large lance-shaped leaves with panicles of rich purple blooms appearing in mid to late summer. New York Ironweed prefers full to part sun in moist to wet soils. Ironweeds readily self-sow and provide nectar to butterflies. The perennial is often used in screenings, large borders and naturalizing in meadows.
