Veronia missurica, Ironweed, Quart pot

Veronia missurica, Ironweed

FS - PS, Zone 4, blooms July - August or later, 3-5’ x 3-4, wet to medium-dry, somewhat sandy to partial clay, deer resistant.

A good plant for low-lying moist areas or a rain garden. It will tolerate periodic flooding. It’s very common through most of the central U.S. The root system is densely fibrous and rhizomatous. The plant grows taller in very moist conditions. It’s a host plant for the Parthenice Tiger Moth and It produces both nectar and pollen for late-season visitors.

2020 was our first season growing this plant. The florets reminded us of Blazing Star Liatris. The pollinator activity was wonderfully intense for the duration of its bloom cycle. So many Skippers! Looking forward to more Ironweed. First year plants stay fairly short, but take off in year 2. It is a good back of the border plant.

Native and honey bees, butterflies and skippers and Soldier Beetles are attracted to Veronia. Long-Horned Bees are frequent visitors for pollen. Skippers are also common visitors. It is the host plant for the Painted Lady.