Plant · GBIF taxon 3147815
Wingstem
Verbesina alternifoliaAlso known as Yellow Ironweed, Stickweed
Wingstem is a tall, native perennial easily recognized by the leafy green wings running along its sturdy stems. In late summer and autumn, it produces clusters of bright yellow flower heads with reflexed, drooping ray petals surrounding a raised central disk. Blooming in damp woods and floodplains, it provides a vital late-season nectar source for native bees, butterflies, and skippers.
NativePollinator MagnetWildflower
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthetic
Predators
- Silvery Checkerspot Larvae
- White-tailed Deer
ThreatsHabitat loss, invasive species competition
HabitatsMoist woods, floodplains, stream banks, damp meadows
Life spanPerennial
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAsterales
- FamilyAsteraceae
- GenusVerbesina
- SpeciesVerbesina alternifolia
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Stem Identification: Look for prominent green, leafy wings running along the length of the main stalk.
- Pollinator Spotting: Visit patches on sunny autumn afternoons to observe native bumblebees and butterflies feeding.
- Garden Cultivation: Plant in moist soil with full to partial sun where its tall stems have space to spread.
Frequent Companion (c) Daniel McClosky, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Daniel McClosky · cc-by
Herbivore no rights reserved, uploaded by Kathleen Houlahan Chayer · cc0
Look-alike homeredwardprice / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
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