Florida Ironweed

Vernonia blodgettii

Native to:
Bahamas, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Vernonia
Species:
Vernonia blodgettii
USDA Symbol:
VEBL3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov
Bloom Colors:
purple, lavender

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies, bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from rootstock following fire; found in pine flatwoods and wet prairies with periodic fire regimes.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to coastal regions, prefers open sunny areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–28 days

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI