Narrowleaf Ironweed
Narrowlead ironweed grows in full sun and dry soil.
By LYNN ARTZ, SANDY TEDDER and DAVID RODDENBERRY
The bright magenta flowers of narrowleaf ironweed (Vernonia angustifolia) sit atop 40” stems with many very narrow leaves that curve down. The colorful blooms attract native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This short-lived perennial grows naturally in pine woods and sandhills in the northern half of Florida. Narrowleaf ironweed is easy to grow in full sun and dry soil. Get free seeds at Sopchoppy Depot Park or buy seeds online from the Florida Wildflower Grower’s Cooperative. Sow seeds in the fall for spring germination. Also called tall ironweed, narrowleaf ironweed is easy to distinguish from giant ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) which has lance-shaped leaves, prefers moist habitats, and can grow up to 8-feet tall. Narrowleaf ironweed is blooming now along the fence in the northeast garden of Sopchoppy Depot Park.