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

Iron Butterfly Narrow-Leaf Ironweed (Vernonia lettermannii ‘Iron Butterfly’) is a herbaceous flowering perennial prized for its finely textured green foliage, compact rounded habit, and vibrant purple flowers. Its narrow, threadlike leaves create a soft, airy appearance resembling ornamental grasses, while its naturally bushy form adds structure to sunny garden borders. This ornamental selection belongs to a North American native species and provides attractive foliage throughout the growing season.

In late summer and early fall, Iron Butterfly produces clusters of small, violet-purple, thistle-like flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and other visiting pollinators. The flowers provide valuable late-season nectar resources, making this perennial suitable for pollinator gardens, native-inspired landscapes, rock gardens, mixed perennial borders, and naturalistic plantings. Its delicate foliage also contrasts beautifully with broadleaf perennials and ornamental grasses.

Iron Butterfly performs best in full sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates sandy or rocky conditions and becomes relatively drought tolerant once established. As a herbaceous perennial, its aboveground foliage naturally dies back during winter dormancy, with fresh growth returning in spring.

Each order includes 1 live Iron Butterfly Narrow-Leaf Ironweed plant supplied in a quart-size nursery container (QT). The plant is rooted and container-grown. No shipping height has been specified. Flowering stage, foliage density, branching, and seasonal appearance may vary naturally.

Shipping Size:

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

• Container Size: 1 Quart Nursery Pot (QT)

• Shipping Height: Not Specified

• Plant Form: Rooted, Container-Grown Herbaceous Perennial

• Flower Color: Purple to Violet-Purple

• Foliage Color: 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: 1 Quart Nursery Pot (QT)

• 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; Sandy or Rocky Conditions Tolerated

• 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, 1-quart nursery container.