Prairie Ironweed really doesn't deserve weed in its name. It is a stalwart of planting in tough places like clay, loves moist and damp soils and will do well even in gardens with great loam. It is beautiful for mass plantings and can be used for cut flowers. It develops really deep roots that help erosion and filter water. Despite the number of seeds it produces, it doesn't spread agressively and typically you need to be a bit more intentional with planting.
This is a must for any butterfly, pollinator or wildlife garden as it attracts numerous amounts of butterflies and is the host plant for the American Painted Lady.
It's native range is the Midwest, but due to its non-aggressive nature ithas been introduced in gardens and restoration projects across much of the eastern half of the United States. Most gardeners will divide this to increase its numbers or collect seed to moist stratify.
Botanical Names: Veronia fasciculata
- USDA Zones 3-7, some success to zones 9
- Mid-Summer flowering
- 6' stalks, you can cut in late spring for shorter plants
- Bloom Duration: All Summer
- Cold Hardy
- Full Sun (some partial sun is ok)
- 1 packet will cover 25 sq ft, 1 oz covers 1,000 ft
Bloom Color: Purple
Key Planting Tips
Instructions: Germination is increased by a 30- day cold treatment in slightly damp paper towels in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Seed can also be directly sown into a prepared seedbed in fall, or in early- to mid-spring. Requires a rich loam, clay, or slightly moist sandy soil.
Alternatively Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before planting out or direct sow after treating the seeds or in early spring or late fall
- Germination: 20-25 Days
- Plant Outdoors: 2-3' Apart
- Light: Full Sun
