Verbesina alternifolia - Ironweed

Verbesina alternifolia is a rhizomatous perennial giant with a wild and rustic appearance. It is robust and easy to grow and forms a solid and vigorous crown, from which tall 2 to 3 m (7 to 10ft) high stems emerge, bearing umbels of golden yellow flowers with drooping petals, and a prominent large, yellow-green heart. It will brighten up borders at the end of the season with its beautiful bright flowers!

Native to wooded areas in the east and north of North America, Verbesina alternifolia, also known by its former name Actinomeris alternifolia, belongs to the aster family. This giant herbaceous perennial forms a robust and woody crown, spreading through long rhizomes. From this clump winged, upright and stiff stems rise 2 to 3 metres (7 to 10 feet), branching towards the top. The leaves are alternate (as its Latin name alternifolia indicates), long and narrow, with slightly toothed edges. The upper surface of the leaves is medium green and rough in texture, while the lower surface is light green with white hairs on the main veins. At the top of the stems loose corymbs of terminal heads appear from August to October. The slightly fragrant, bright yellow flowers have drooping petals and a prominent greenish heart. They are nectar-rich and attract many pollinating insects. After flowering, achenes are produced and greatly appreciated by birds.

This giant perennial, with its wild and rustic appearance, should be planted in full sun or partial shade in good garden soil. Given its large dimensions, it is best planted among bushes to fill empty spaces, and at the back of borders, where its late flowering will make a sensation alongside tall Asters, Japanese Anemones, Grasses, Verbascums, and Vervain of Buenos Aires. Its large size will structure your borders, but you can also plant it as a standalone specimen where its flowers will look spectacular.