Green Neighbors Program

The Clark County Green Neighbors Program is coordinated by Clark County Public Health’s Solid Waste and Environmental Outreach to assist citizens with developing more sustainable lifestyles and building a strong environmental community in Clark County. Solid waste regional planning and programs are a cooperative effort of Battle Ground, Camas, Clark County, La Center, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Washougal, and Yacolt.

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Contact Details

Call us
(360) 397-2121 x4352
Email
info@clarkgreenneighbors.org

Threadleaf Ironweed 'Iron Butterfly'

  • Scientific Name: Veronica lettermanii 'Iron Butterfly'
  • Garden: Rain Garden
  • Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
  • Evergreen/Deciduous: Deciduous
  • Sun/Shade Exposure: Full Sun
  • Moisture Requirements: Dry

Plant Information

Culture
Easily grown in medium to dry, well-draining soils of average fertility in full sun. Tolerant of various soil conditions, including hot, dry, rocky, and alkaline. Also tolerant of occasional flooding and drought once established. Hardy in Zones 4-9.

Noteworthy Characteristics
Vernonia lettermanii, commonly called ironweed or Letterman's ironweed, is an upright, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial native to rocky outcrops, floodplains, and river scours in west-central Arkansas and adjacent areas of Oklahoma. Plants can reach around 2' tall with an equal spread. The finely textured leaves are thin and narrow (up to 3" long and around ⅛" wide). Terminal corymbs (branched, flat-topped inflorescences) of bright purple flowers appear in mid to late summer. Highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Synonymous with V. lettermannii.

'Iron Butterfly' is a vigorous ironweed cultivar selected for its compact, densely mounding habit and showy, long-lasting display of purple blooms.
Problems
No major pest or disease problems. Stems can bend and arch, particularly if the soil is too rich or if full sun conditions are not provided.

Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: July to August
Bloom Description: Purple
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Attracts: Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Tolerate: Drought, Erosion, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil

Data Source

www.missouribotanicalgarden.org

Plant Photos

Photo Credit

VELE Full, VELE Leaves (©2022 Cheri Moland)

Interactive Garden Maps

About the Master Gardeners Natural Gardens
The demonstration gardens are meant to show different ways to practice earth-friendly techniques at home. There are eight beautiful backyard example gardens that fit any yard size or preference.
Learn more