New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) is a native perennial that grows 5 to 8 feet tall with strong stems that feature profuse deep purple flowers from mid-summer to mid-fall. Ironweed prefers rich moist acidic soils but will grow in average moist to wet soils in full sun. In the right conditions ironweed will self-sow. The plant’s flowers provide a nectar source to many species of bees, specialized bees, butterflies, skippers, and moths while the seeds are eaten by birds. 

The plant is deer resistant.