Vernonia lettermanii (Asteraceae)

Description from Niche Gardens

Vernonia lettermanii (Asteraceae)

(ver-NON-ee-a let-er-MAN-ee-eye)

Threadleaf Ironweed

In his wonderful new book “Native Plants for North American Gardens,” plant guru Allan Armitage writes of Vernonia lettermanii: “As soon as you read this, put down the book and purchase this plant.” A stellar recommendation, and we agree; everyone who sees the feathery texture of this dwarf Ironweed just loves it. The fine, narrow foliage closely resembles Amsonia hubrichtii, but is more compact, topping out at 2-3′. Adorned with bright purple Ironweed flower tufts late summer to early fall. A taproot ensures drought tolerance. What a treat for the front of a fall border! Thanks to Larry Lowman for sharing seed from an Ozark native population. We’ve been carefully dividing our stock for years to maintain the compact, bushy form, and finally have enough to offer to you.

• Bloom color: dark-purple
• Bloom period: late-summer – early fall
• Height: 2-3′
• Spread: 1-2′
• Zones: 4-9
• Container size: Qt.