(Vernonia lindheimeri)
Woolly Ironweed

Woolly Ironweed (Vernonia lindheimeri)

Alternative Names

Silver Ironweed

Description of Woolly Ironweed (Vernonia lindheimeri)

Woolly Ironweed (Vernonia lindheimeri), a member of the Asteraceae (Aster Family), is a herbaceous perennial that grows from 2′ to 3′ tall and blooms with pink to purple flowers in the late spring and summer (June to August).  This plant grows in places with full sun to partial-shade in high pH soil.  In a garden setting this plant can handle dry conditions and is recommended for xeriscaping.  More information on this species can be found on this blog post.

Hosted Species

American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)

Nectar Species

This species is a nectar source to other butterflies, skippers, bees, and wasps during the growing season.  Birds, such as goldfinch, like to eat the seeds in the fall.

Habitat

This ironweed grows in open calcareous areas such as dry rocky limestone, river beds, riparian areas, and prairies.

Range of Woolly Ironweed (Vernonia lindheimeri) in the United States and Canada

Woolly Ironweed (Vernonia lindheimeri) is native to the states of Texas and Arkansas and the adjacent areas of Mexico.

Interesting Facts

The genus name, Vernonia, is in honor of William Vernon, an English botanist.  The species name, lindheimeri, is in honor of Ferdinand Jacob Lindheimer, a Texas botanist in the 1800s.