Iron Butterfly Narrow-Leaf Ironweed 1 Live Perennial Plant, 2 Gallon Pot – Vernonia lettermannii ‘Iron Butterfly’

Iron Butterfly Narrow-Leaf Ironweed (Vernonia lettermannii ‘Iron Butterfly’) is a herbaceous perennial valued for its finely textured foliage, compact growth habit, and clusters of vivid purple flowers. Its slender, threadlike green leaves create a soft, airy appearance that resembles ornamental grasses, while its late-season blooms add rich color to perennial gardens. This selection belongs to a North American native species and provides ornamental interest from spring through autumn.

During late summer and early fall, Iron Butterfly produces numerous small, purple, thistle-like flower heads that attract butterflies, bees, and other visiting pollinators. Its dense, rounded habit makes it suitable for pollinator gardens, native-inspired landscapes, mixed perennial borders, rock gardens, and naturalistic plantings. The narrow foliage contrasts beautifully with broadleaf perennials and ornamental grasses.

Iron Butterfly generally performs best in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it tolerates periods of dry weather and is suitable for landscapes where good drainage is important. As a herbaceous perennial, its aboveground foliage naturally dies back during winter dormancy before new growth emerges in spring.

Each order includes 1 live Iron Butterfly Narrow-Leaf Ironweed supplied in a 2-gallon nursery container. The plant is rooted and container-grown. No shipping height has been specified. Foliage density, branching, flowering stage, and seasonal appearance may vary naturally.

Shipping Size:

• Quantity: 1 Live Iron Butterfly Narrow-Leaf Ironweed Plant

• Container Size: 2 Gallon Nursery Pot (G2)

• Shipping Height: Not Specified

• Plant Form: Rooted, Container-Grown Herbaceous Perennial

• Flower Color: Purple to Violet-Purple

• Foliage Color: Fine-Textured Green

• Growth Habit: Compact, Rounded, Bushy

• Seasonal Appearance: May Arrive Dormant, Recently Pruned, or Without Flowers

Plant Condition Disclosure:

Live plants may be shipped dormant, leafless, recently pruned, bare root, or partially defoliated depending on season, weather, and shipping requirements.

Natural variation in size, branching, foliage density, color, root structure, and overall appearance should be expected.

Important Note:

You will receive a live starter plant (seedling/young plant). Listing photos show the plant at a mature stage for reference only. The actual plant size, shape, and appearance may vary and will be significantly smaller than the images shown.

• Quantity: 1 Live Herbaceous Perennial Plant

• Container Size: 2 Gallon Nursery Pot (G2)

• Common Name: Iron Butterfly Narrow-Leaf Ironweed

• Scientific Name: Vernonia lettermannii ‘Iron Butterfly’

• Cultivar: Iron Butterfly

• Plant Type: Herbaceous Flowering Perennial

• Growth Habit: Compact, Rounded, Bushy

• Flower Color: Purple to Violet-Purple

• Flower Shape: Small, Thistle-Like Flower Clusters

• Bloom Season: Late Summer to Early Fall

• Foliage Color: Green

• Leaf Characteristics: Narrow, Threadlike, Fine-Textured

• Pollinator Interest: Butterflies, Bees, and Other Flower-Visiting Insects

• USDA Hardiness Zones: Generally 4–9

• Sunlight: Full Sun

• Soil Preference: Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Sandy or Rocky Conditions

• Water Requirements: Moderate During Establishment; Relatively Drought Tolerant Once Established

• Landscape Uses: Pollinator Gardens, Native-Inspired Plantings, Perennial Borders, Rock Gardens, and Naturalistic Landscapes

• Seasonal Habit: Herbaceous Perennial

• Winter Appearance: Aboveground Growth Naturally Dies Back During Dormancy

• Seasonal Condition: May Arrive Without Flowers or With Reduced Foliage Depending on Season

Live Iron Butterfly Narrow-Leaf Ironweed perennial, natural root system, nursery growing medium, 2-gallon nursery container.