New YorkIronweed

Vernonia noveboracensis

New York ironweed (Veronia noveboracensis) is found in meadows, wetlands, and streambanks across eastern North America. A tall, stout perennial, it can grow six to eight feet tall. Dense clusters of bright purple flowers bloom in late summer when most other plants have finished flowering. The very sturdy, fibrous stems hold up well to wind and rain, which is how the plant got its common name [1].

Ironweed was used by Native peoples and early settlers for its bitter and astringent properties. Roots or leaves would be made into tea and consumed to support digestion, relieve menstrual cramps, and promote postpartum recovery. At times, it was also used as a general tonic to build strength and restore balance after an illness. Bitter herbs such as ironweed were used to stimulate appetite and liver function [2].

Ironweed is rarely used in herbal medicine today, but is still noted for its traditional use for women’s health and digestion [3]. It contains sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids, among other chemical constituents [4].

Wild New York ironweed provides a late-season nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators [5]. It is also a symbol of both healing and survival, bringing color and strength to wet fields.

[1] Missouri Botanical Garden. “Vernonia noveboracensis – New York Ironweed.” “A tall, coarse, upright perennial native to moist thickets, low areas, and along streambanks.” https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=g160

[2] Native Plant Trust (Go Botany). “Vernonia noveboracensis – New York Ironweed.” “The Cherokee used an infusion of this species for pains after childbirth as well as for stomach ulcers and hemorrhage.” https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/vernonia/noveboracensis/

[3] TerraWhisper. “Vernonia noveboracensis – Uses, Benefits and Remedies.” “The bioactive constituents of New York Ironweed include flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones that may underlie its traditional medicinal properties.” https://terrawhisper.com/herbs/vernonia-noveboracensis.html

[4] Springer Nature. “Vernonia Sesquiterpene Lactones: A Review of Their Chemical and Pharmacological Aspects.” “The genus Vernonia is recognized as a rich source of sesquiterpene lactones with notable pharmacological activities.” 2025. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11101-025-10101-0

[5] Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. “Vernonia noveboracensis – New York Ironweed.” “Found in wet meadows and along streambanks; an important late-season nectar source for butterflies and bees.” https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=VENO