Missouri Ironweed is a late summer bloomer that provides nectar for long-tongued insects. Its flowerheads consist of clusters of many small, purple flowers.
Pollinator Type
Bees, butterflies, caterpillars
Plant Type
Herbaceous perennial
Zone
4 to 9
Height
3 to 5 ft.
Spread
2 to 4 ft.
Light
Full Sun
Moisture Requirement
Medium Soil
Bloom Color
Purple
Bloom Time
July, August
Design Considerations
Performs quite well in garden soils. It can tolerate wet soils so it is an option for a rain garden. Late summer to early fall bloomer provides late season resources for pollinators. Deer avoid eating it.
Care and Maintenance
Remove flower heads when blooms fade to prevent self seeding.
Pest and Diseases
No major issues.
Establishment and Propagation
Plant as a plug or start from seed after cold, moist stratification for 60 days. Spreads through rhizomes.
Commercial Availability
Rarely available.
Alternative Plant Selections
Smooth Ironweed
Native Status
Illinois native statewide.
Fall Color
Insignificant
Growth habit
Upright perennial that can form colonies due to its rhizomatous root system
Number of Caterpillars that Use this as a Host Plant
