Wingstem
Verbesina alternifolia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Verbesina alternifolia (Wingstem) is a native forb blooming yellow flowers from July through September across the eastern and central United States. This tall wildflower attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles in sunny to partly sunny locations.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–72" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 27 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Wingstem is a tall native wildflower that produces bright yellow daisy-like blooms from July through September. This sturdy perennial can reach up to 6 feet tall with a relatively narrow spread, making it suitable for back-of-border plantings. The distinctive winged stems give this plant its common name and add architectural interest even before flowering.
Growing Wingstem
Grow Wingstem in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Wingstem takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very tall height appears too wild for front yards
- Can look weedy when dormant
- May spread and appear uncontrolled
Wildlife value
This plant is highly valuable for late-season pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and beetles when many other flowers have finished blooming. The seeds also provide food for birds in fall and winter.
Common questions
- When does Wingstem bloom?
- Wingstem blooms from July through September, producing bright yellow composite flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Wingstem?
- Wingstem attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles with its late summer blooms, making it valuable for pollinator gardens.
- Where is Wingstem native?
- Wingstem is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from the Great Plains eastward to the Atlantic coast and from the Gulf states north to the Great Lakes region.
- What growing conditions does Wingstem prefer?
- Wingstem grows best in full sun to partial sun with medium to moist soil conditions, often found in prairies, woodland edges, and wet meadows.
- Is Wingstem HOA-friendly?
- Wingstem takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
Ready to grow Wingstem? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz