Fauna
Plant

New York Ironweed

Vernonia noveboracensis

Also known as Vein-leaf Hawkweed, Ironweed

New York ironweed towers above damp meadows and streambanks, producing vibrant, intense purple flower clusters from late summer into mid-autumn. Tough, fibrous stems give the plant its sturdy reputation, allowing it to withstand heavy autumn rains without falling over. These nectar-rich blooms act as crucial refueling stations for migrating monarchs, swallowtail butterflies, and late-season native bees.

PerennialLate BloomerPollinator Magnet
New York Ironweed reference1 / 7
(c) Daniel McClosky, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Daniel McClosky · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic
Predators
  • Deer
  • Small mammals
ThreatsWetland drainage, invasive plant encroachment, development
HabitatsMoist meadows, floodplains, streambanks, ditch edges
Life spanPerennial (5–10+ years)
Classification
  1. OrderAsterales
  2. FamilyAsteraceae
  3. GenusVernonia
  4. SpeciesVernonia noveboracensis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Autumn Spotting: Look for intense magenta-purple flower heads rising above tall foliage along sunny roadside ditches and stream edges.
  • Pollinator Watching: Visit patches on warm sunny afternoons in September to observe dozens of butterfly species feeding simultaneously.
  • Garden Cultivation: Plant in full sun with moist soil to create an erect, late-season backbone for native pollinator borders.
Related species
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