Vernonia angustifolia Michx.

Narrowleaf Ironweed; Tall Ironweed

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Narrowleaf Ironweed is a native herbaceous perennial in the Aster family (Asteraceae). It occurs in pine woods, in mixed pine-hardwood forests, in sand hills, on roadside banks, and in disturbed woodlands. Narrowleaf Ironweed can be found throughout the southern two-thirds of Alabama. It is a perennial with one or more stems emerging from a crown. The stems are from 2-4 feet in length and may be upright or reclining. The stems are sparsely short appressed pubescent. Leaves are numerous, linear to filiform in outline, often with revolute margins. Leaves may be nearly glabrous except for hairs along the midrib or pubescent. They may also be gland dotted. Flowers are produced in heads. The heads are arranged in corymbs. Each head consists of 9-30 purple disc flowers. The fruit is an achene with tan or purplish pappus. Narrowleaf Ironweed is attractive to numerous butterfly and bee species when in flower. It is available from some wildflower nurseries along with some select forms such as “alba” with white flowers and 'Plum Peachy' with dark plum purple flowers. Narrowleaf Ironweed can be used at the back of plantings of lower growing species, in prairie or meadow plantings, or along fence lines or wood lines. It prefers full to partial sun and a sandy soil. Once established plants are drought tolerant.--A. Diamond

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Native FACU- (NWPL)

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