Iron Butterfly Ironweed — Vernonia lettermanii 'Iron Butterfly'

Iron Butterfly Ironweed (Vernonia lettermanii 'Iron Butterfly') is a standout compact native perennial that delivers one of the most vivid and ecologically rich late-season floral displays in the garden — a sturdy, upright native perennial with densely packed stems and rough, serrated dark green lance-like foliage, producing loose terminal clusters of intensely fluffy, bright violet flowers from late summer into fall in a display of pure saturated color that is exceptional among native perennials of this season, followed by attractive rusty seed clusters that extend the interest well into fall. Unlike the common ironweed species that can reach 5–6 feet, Iron Butterfly is a refined, compact selection at 2–3 feet — far better suited to the mixed border, rain garden, and naturalistic landscape without the sprawling or floppy habit of taller forms. Native to Arkansas and Oklahoma, it is highly drought tolerant and adapted to average to dry, well-drained soils in full sun. Remove seed heads to prevent unwanted self-seeding. No serious pests or diseases. Hardy to Zone 4.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low Maintenance. Drought-tolerant. Remove seed heads to limit self-seeding. No serious pests or diseases.
LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Naturalized Areas, Woodland Gardens, Rock Gardens, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Blue Fescue, Shasta Daisy, Rose

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.