August 15, 2024| Education, Environment
By: Laurie Kane
While a few varieties in our native gardens are going dormant, some late-summer favorites are in full bloom. Both New York ironweed and wingstem are members of the aster family. We have found that both grow and spread with ease, providing colorful flowers that attract pollinators. We have spotted an assortment of butterflies, as well as goldfinches visiting these natives. Both are deer-resistant and despite their height, generally do not require staking.
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| New York Ironweed | Wingstem |
New York ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) features clusters of small reddish-purple flowers on stems reaching five to eight feet tall, blooming from late July into autumn. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and attracts butterflies and birds. Named for its tough stems and rust-tinged flowers, it was historically used by Native Americans for tea and to treat a variety of ailments including childbirth pain, stomach ulcers, and loose teeth.
Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia), also known as Yellow Ironweed, boasts clusters of bright yellow, pin cushion-like flowers. Blooming from August to October, it can grow over six feet tall and, like Ironweed, thrives in a variety of conditions. Wingstem attracts songbirds, such as goldfinches, and is a favorite for bees. It also serves as a host plant for the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly, Summer Azure butterfly, and Gold Moth. Native Americans used various parts of the plant to treat a variety of ailments, including gastrointestinal issues and joint pain.
We invite you to visit our native plant gardens at 125 Landing Road, Landing, NJ, to see these buzzworthy blooms firsthand. We hope you will be inspired to incorporate native plants into your yard or garden, supporting local wildlife and contributing to a healthier environment!
