Vernonia acaulis is a low-growing perennial with vibrant purple flower heads, offering a splash of color to native plant gardens and prairies.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Loam, Sandy, Clay
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 4-9. Protect from extreme heat.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize minimally; compost is often sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during establishment and dry periods. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings.
In hotter climates, more frequent watering might be necessary to maintain consistent moisture. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges to remove dead or damaged material and shape the plant.
Easily propagated from seed sown in spring or autumn. Division of established clumps is best done in early spring as new growth begins. Transplant divisions carefully to minimize disturbance.
This plant is not typically a container specimen and prefers to be planted directly in the ground. If grown in a pot, repot only when root-bound, usually every 2-3 years, in early spring.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Stemless Ironweed (Vernonia acaulis)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Vernonia |
| Species | Vernonia acaulis |
Similar in genus Vernonia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
