Ironweed, Broadleaf ironweed
Vernonia glauca
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Vernonia glauca is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.5
Where it is found
Rich woods.
Eastern N. America - New Jersey to Georgia, west to Alabama and Pennsylvania.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The root is a blood tonic. It is used to regulate menstruation, relieve pain after childbirth and also in the treatment of stomach aches and bleeding. An infusion of the roots has been used as a mouth wash to make loose teeth firm.
Blood tonic: Is this any different to a blood purifier?
Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.
Women's complaints: A very vague title, it deals with a miscellany of problems peculiar to the female sex.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in any soil in a sunny position. When grown in a suitable site, the plants often self-sow.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist