Narrowleaf Ironweed
Vernonia lettermannii
- Native to:
- United States
iNaturalist: © joeysantore (iNaturalist #231955948)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Vernonia
- Species:
- Vernonia lettermannii
- USDA Symbol:
- VELE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 91 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- purple
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)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: American bumble (Bombus pensylvanicus), Brown-belted bumble (Bombus griseocollis), Two-spotted Longhorn (Melissodes bimaculatus), ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) Moths:Virginia Tiger Moth (Spilosoma virginica) Butterflies:Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae), Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia), Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus), Julia butterfly (Dione vanillae), Long-tailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus), Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor), Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained sandy loam
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to rocky outcrops and riverbanks
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; surface sow and keep moist.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)