ironweed

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

5-8 ft. tall
3-4 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed, By cutting, By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Seeds require cold moist stratification. Germination rates are usually low.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide up to 3 ft spacing.

Plants/Diseases

No significant disease or pest issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves alternate, lanceolate with serrate margins; about 6 inches long.

Flowers

Showy purple/lavender flowers arranged in a cyme.

Fruit

Achene.

Bark

Stems have deep ridges.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, Poorly Drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Old pastures, bottomlands, and streamsides.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout South Carolina.