Ironweed (Veronia Altissima): The Flower of a Champion is...a Weed



Posted: Tuesday, October 06, 2009

by
tn nursery

Most people cringe at the term weed-the term is used most frequently to describe undesirable plants that cause a nuisance to the everyday gardener. But the truth of the matter is that so-called weeds, such as the Ironweed (Vernonia Altissima), can actually provide excellent ground cover and be an aesthetic pleasure as well.

Native to the Southeastern United States, this plant is far more than a nuisance weed and has far more to offer than meets the eye. Ironweeds, also known as Tall Weeds, have an extraordinarily tough stem-so tough in fact, that many people throughout the Southeastern United States have used these stems to build kites. Additionally, Ironweed (Vernonia Altissima) features several medicinal purposes that make it a favorite amongst herbalists. Native Americans are reported to have used the root in treating the pains of post childbirth and also to help regulate the menstrual cycle. In today's realm of holistic healing, spices from the plant are often used to treat stomach problems such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, upset stomach and diarrhea.

Ironweed (Vernonia Altissima) is most often found in fields and meadows and can sometimes be missed as the plant it is-while you're looking closer to the ground you should be looking above your head, as this plant can and often does grow to heights of 10 feet. There are several similar species, including the New York Ironweed, Vernonia Galuca and Vernonia flaccidifolia, all of which are much shorter than Ironweed (Vernonia Altissima). In fact, Vernonia glauca does not typically reach even a meter in height. This is most often why people do not recognize the plant in its natural habitat-because it looks nothing like its closest Ironweed (Vernonia Altissima) produces flowers from early July through mid October and a single plant can produce nearly 20,000 seeds in a year, although most produce on average, between 6,000 seeds and 19,000 seeds each year. Propagating these plants is fairly easy, as they tend to do most of the work themselves. Though if you choose to manually propagate, you will most likely not have any trouble gathering the necessary number of seeds.

While the plant is incredibly beautiful, it is important to keep growth in check and trim the plant when necessary to keep it from becoming an invasive nuisance. It is currently listed in Kentucky as the third most troublesome weed for pastures and it is becoming a greater problem each year in Ohio. These plants, unlike many others, will survive the winter and are hardy enough to survive even the most cruel frosts. While they may suffer bloom loss during colder days and months, the stems will stand strong, as well as the roots.

If you are searching for a hardy plant that can provide excellent ground cover while also providing beauty through its deep purple blossoms, then Ironweed (Vernonia Altissima) is the perfect addition to your garden, whether you live in the sun or in the shadows.
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