Vernonia lettermannii

42.14294815, -87.78515625

42.14500046, -87.7878952

42.14500046, -87.78762054

42.14505768, -87.78762817

42.14612961, -87.79097748

42.14624786, -87.7907486

Letterman's Ironweed

Vernonia lettermannii, known as Letterman's ironweed, is covered with purple flowers in September and October produced by a rounded 4' x 4' herbaceous perennial from the dry stony soils of the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma. Butterflies and other nectar seeking insects flock to this plant when it comes into flower. Requires well drained soils on the dry side in the Chicago region in order to thrive. Insect and disease resistant.

In an evaluation of ironweeds conducted at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Letterman's ironweed was rated as a good choice for growing in the Chicagoland area in terms of disease resistance and overall performance.

Soil:
Dry
Plant Shape:
Round
Exposure:
Full Sun
Bloom Time:
July - August
September - October
Bloom Color:
Purple
Landscape Use:
Bedding or Border
Specimen Plant
Groundcover
Wildlife Interest:
Attracts Birds
Attracts Butterflies
Resistant To Deer
Plant Type:
Perennial
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9