Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asteraceae

Genus:

Vernonia

Species:

Vernonia ×illinoensis

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

6-8 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jun, jul, aug, sep

Bloom Colors:

Pink, Purple

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas

Keystone Species Ranking

Bee Keystone:

★★★★☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers fertile soils in open meadows or prairies

Germination Information