Giant ironweed
Vernonia gigantea
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
60"–108" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Tall ironweed is a robust, upright perennial in the aster family, prized for its clusters of deep purple-magenta flowers atop sturdy stems from mid to late summer. It naturally occurs in moist meadows, stream banks, and ditches, and works well toward the back of a border where its height provides structure.
In an HOA neighborhood
Giant ironweed is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: back border, rain garden, naturalized or meadow area.
- Grows quite tall, up to 8 feet, and may need staking or placement behind shorter plants
- Prefers consistently moist soil and may struggle in dry, well-drained front-yard beds
Wildlife value
Tall ironweed's late-summer purple blooms are a strong nectar source for butterflies, including migrating monarchs, and for native bees, per the Xerces Society.
Common questions
- How much sun does Giant ironweed need?
- Giant ironweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Giant ironweed bloom?
- Giant ironweed blooms in July, August, and September.
- What pollinators does Giant ironweed attract?
- Giant ironweed draws bees, butterflies, and moths.
- Is Giant ironweed HOA-friendly?
- Giant ironweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Giant ironweed fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.