How much sun does Ozark ironweed need?

Ozark ironweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Ozark ironweed bloom?

Ozark ironweed blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Ozark ironweed native?

Ozark ironweed (Vernonia arkansana) is native to AR, KS, MO, OK, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Ozark ironweed attract?

Ozark ironweed draws butterflies and bees.

Ozark ironweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Vernonia arkansana

Last reviewed: October 2026

Ozark ironweed (Vernonia arkansana) is a perennial forb native to AR, KS, MO, OK. It blooms in July, August, and September. The flowers draw butterflies and bees.

Toxicity unknown

Ozark ironweed (Vernonia arkansana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

36"–60" H × 18"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AR, KS, MO, OK

Pollinators

butterflies, bees

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Cross Timbers Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Interior River Valleys and Hills

A tall, upright perennial with narrow leaves and flat-topped clusters of deep purple, fringed flowers late in the season.

Growing Ozark ironweed

Grow Ozark ironweed in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 60 inches tall and spread 18 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

A strong late-season nectar source for monarchs and other migrating butterflies as well as native bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Ozark ironweed need?: Ozark ironweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Ozark ironweed bloom?: Ozark ironweed blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Ozark ironweed native?: Ozark ironweed (Vernonia arkansana) is native to AR, KS, MO, OK, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Ozark ironweed attract?: Ozark ironweed draws butterflies and bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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