How much sun does Tall ironweed need?

Tall ironweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Tall ironweed bloom?

Tall ironweed blooms in August, September, and October.

Where is Tall ironweed native?

Tall ironweed (Vernonia angustifolia) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Tall ironweed attract?

Tall ironweed draws butterflies and bees.

Tall ironweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Vernonia angustifolia

Last reviewed: October 2026

Tall ironweed (Vernonia angustifolia) is a perennial forb native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states. It blooms in August, September, and October. The flowers draw butterflies and bees.

Toxicity unknown

Tall ironweed (Vernonia angustifolia) 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

low

Size

24"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, bees

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

Narrowleaf ironweed is an upright perennial forb with narrow leaves and flat-topped clusters of deep purple flowers in late summer. It grows in dry, sandy pine flatwoods and open fields.

Growing Tall ironweed

Grow Tall ironweed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The purple flowers are a strong late-season nectar source for butterflies and bees, extending the nectar season into fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Tall ironweed need?: Tall ironweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Tall ironweed bloom?: Tall ironweed blooms in August, September, and October.
Where is Tall ironweed native?: Tall ironweed (Vernonia angustifolia) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Tall ironweed attract?: Tall 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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