Vernonia altissima
(syn. V. gigantea)

Big, bold, vigorous, sturdy & reliable perennial woodland, native of the eastern half of the U.S., provides awesome late season color intensity! The rich, dark purple or purple-violet flower heads are quite large - to 12” across – held atop stout stems 5’-7’ tall. Forming a columnar clump, most resembles a purple form of Eupatorium or “Joe-Pye-Weed”. Blooming at the same time as Asters – 1 1/2 months from late Summer to Fall, I think it makes an especially nice, contrasting background planting for late blooming Sunflowers, Rudbeckias & our “Day of the Dead” Marigolds. Give Vernonia humusy soil & stand back for an amazing Autumn display. Major BUTTERFLY MAGNET! Good cut flowers. Deciduous – so cut to ground after bloom is finished.

Annie