Vernonia fasciculata Flower (08/09/2012, Kew Garden, London)
Position: Full sun to light shade
Flowering period: Late summer to early autumn
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 1.2m
Eventual Spread: 80cm
Hardiness: 4a – 9a
Family: Asteraceae
Vernonia fasciculata is an erect deciduous, herbaceous perennial. Its dark green leaves are alternate, lanceolate with serrate margins, up to 13cm long and 4cm broad. Its stems are erect and rigid. Its purple flowers are borne in dense terminal clusters and up 10cm across. Its fruit are in the form of achenes which are spread by wind.
Vernonia fasciculata, commonly known as Prairie Ironweed, Common Ironweed, Western Ironweed or Ironweed, is native to central North America. In its native habitat it grows in moist to wet lowland prairies and ditches.
The etymological root of the binomial name Vernonia is named for William Vernon (1666 – 1715), an English botanist. Fasciculata is derived from the Latin fasciculus meaning ‘bunch (of flowers)’.
Vernonia fasciculata (08/09/2012, Kew Garden, London)
The landscape architect may find Vernonia fasciculata useful as part of a prairie type planting scheme. It is suitable for use in SUDS schemes in ditch planting or rain gardens. It is not attractive to deer.
Ecologically, Vernonia fasciculata is attractive to pollinating insects.
Vernonia fasciculata prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate occasional flooding.
Vernonia fasciculata requires little maintenance.