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Native Plant Society of Texas

Missouri ironweed

Vernonia missurica

Other common name(s):

Family:

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Texas Blackland Prairies, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Southern Blackland Prairie
Flatwoods, Floodplains and Low Terraces3, Pleistocene Fluvial Terraces, Red River Bottomlands, Southern Tertiary Uplands, Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

2
to
6
ft.

Spread

1
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Poor Drainage, Moist

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Medium, High

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland, Variable

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Purple

Bloom Season

Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Birds, Bees

Maintenance

Easy to grow. Spreads primarily from its fibrous rhizomatous roots, but also produces seeds that are generally wind-dispersed. Tolerates periodic flooding. Great for pollinator gardens. Native habitat: in moist, open ground along streams, wooded swamps, low meadows, prairies, fields and waste places. Propagation: seed, root division.

Comments

Blooms July-September. Stems and leaves are hairy. Leave are narrow, lance-shaped to oval. Clusters of purple flowers bloom at the top of stems. Lacks the ray flowers typical of plants in this family; they are made up of disc flowers only. Tends to hybridize with other native ironweeds. The fruit is a cypsela: a dry, one-seeded fruit, usually topped by pappus.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Vernonia aborigina

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Sow seeds in a well-draining seed starting mix in early spring. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light. Once seedlings develop true leaves, transplant them into a sunny location outdoors. Space the plants 1-2 feet apart. Showy Ironweed seeds can be slow to germinate, taking several weeks or even months. Collect seeds from mature flower heads after they’ve turned brown and dry. These will have a fuzzy appearance and contain the tiny seeds. Let the seed heads dry further in a paper bag or container. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-vernonia-missurica/
Clump division Division Carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, each with healthy roots and shoots. Replant each division in a well-prepared bed, ensuring they have sufficient space to grow. Be sure to water them well. Divide Vernonia missurica in early spring or fall, when the plant is dormant. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-vernonia-missurica/
Seed Stratification Sow just under the surface of the soil and water in. Then cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 90 days. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold stratification they are then brought back to room temperature 20-22°C (68-72°F) for them to germinate. Germination is irregular over a long period of time, generally 60-90 days, but some can take longer. https://ferriseeds.com/products/vernonia-missurica-br-missouri-ironweed?srsltid=AfmBOoqB__U3EucQVlsxyR4YL6JO1Zx3iemFi-PiytpOYV_10ouKHV1x

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason