Overview

Vernonia crinita is a perennial herb in the genus Vernonia, part of the Asteraceae family. Vernonia crinita grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loamy and sandy soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens and naturalized areas. It is native to eastern North America.

About

Vernonia crinita is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae, valued for its late-summer flowering habit. Native to eastern North America, it performs well in moist soils. Plant in a sunny or partly shaded spot with loamy or sandy, neutral to slightly acidic soil for best results.

About the genus

Vernonia is a genus of about 350 species of forbs and shrubs in the family Asteraceae. Some species of this genus are known as ironweeds. Some species are edible and of economic value.

Wikipedia contributors, "Vernonia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Vernonia

In the garden

Vernonia crinita is a clump-forming perennial herb in the aster family originating from eastern North America. It produces its flowers from July to September and is suited to plantings that favour seasonal interest in late summer. Position it in full sun or partial shade and provide consistently moist conditions; it tolerates loamy and sandy soils so long as pH is neutral to slightly acidic. That combination suits damp margins, meadow-style strips and naturalised areas where soils do not dry out completely. Allow space for air movement between plants to reduce prolonged damp at the crown, and site it where summer moisture is reliable rather than in exposed, drought-prone beds. In the garden it works well in wildlife schemes and naturalised borders, where its flowering period extends interest into late summer. Use it alongside other moisture-tolerant perennials to create layered planting and to occupy mid- to back-border positions while flowering from July to September.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Vernonia

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

loamy, sandy

Soil pH

neutral, slightly acidic

Soil moisture

moist

Plant details

Vernonia crinita size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial herb

Suggested uses

wildlife gardens, naturalized areas

Native to

eastern North America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Vernonia crinita

Cultivation

Prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates some drought once established.

Pruning

Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.

Propagation

seed, division

Frequently asked questions