// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Giant ironweed

Vernonia gigantea ssp. gigantea

Giant ironweed (Vernonia gigantea ssp. gigantea) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–11b. Mature size 4'–10'. Blooms Aug–Oct.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 25 U.S. states, including AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, IA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 3a–11b
Mature size: 4'–10'
Sun: Part shade
Water: —
Bloom: Aug–Oct
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Giant ironweed (Vernonia gigantea ssp. gigantea) — *Vernonia gigantea ssp. gigantea* — Giant ironweed. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Nathan Aaron, some rights reserved (CC BY).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Giant ironweed (Vernonia gigantea ssp. gigantea) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–11b. Mature size 4'–10'. Blooms Aug–Oct.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, giant ironweed pairs naturally with: Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium), Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis).