Vernonia Acaulis

Description

Vernonia Acaulis is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is also known by its common name, Stemless Ironweed. The plant is native to the southeastern United States and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including pine flatwoods, sandhills, and savannas. Vernonia Acaulis is a herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It produces clusters of small, bright purple flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Vernonia Acaulis has a clumping habit and produces a rosette of leaves at the base of the stem. The leaves are lance-shaped, toothed and up to 6 inches long. The stem is hairy and smooth, and the plant has no branches. The flowers are small, bright purple and arranged in corymbs. They bloom from late summer to early fall and attract butterflies and bees.

Care Guide

Vernonia Acaulis is an easy plant to grow and requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:

• Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but don’t overwater it. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Be careful not to overfertilize, as this can cause the plant to produce too much foliage and fewer flowers.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay soils.
• Sunlight: Vernonia Acaulis prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but the plant will produce fewer flowers in low light conditions.
• Hardiness Zones: Vernonia Acaulis is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Vernonia Acaulis is generally pest and disease resistant, but it can be affected by the following:

• Aphids: These insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap to control aphids.
• Spider mites: These tiny insects can cause discoloration and webbing on the leaves. Spray the plant with a miticide to control spider mites.
• Fungal diseases: Vernonia Acaulis can be affected by powdery mildew and rust. Remove affected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide to control these diseases.

Habitat

Vernonia Acaulis is native to the southeastern United States and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including pine flatwoods, sandhills, and savannas. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate drought and is resistant to fire.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Vernonia Acaulis be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Vernonia Acaulis can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system. Use a well-draining potting mix and water the plant regularly.

Q: How often should Vernonia Acaulis be fertilized?

A: Vernonia Acaulis should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Be careful not to overfertilize, as this can cause the plant to produce too much foliage and fewer flowers.

Q: Is Vernonia Acaulis a good plant for attracting pollinators?

A: Yes, Vernonia Acaulis is a great plant for attracting pollinators, including butterflies and bees. The plant produces small, bright purple flowers that are irresistible to these insects.

Q: Does Vernonia Acaulis need to be pruned?

A: Vernonia Acaulis does not need to be pruned, but you can deadhead the spent flowers to encourage the plant to produce more blooms.

Related Plants

• Vernonia angustifolia
• Vernonia baldwinii
• Vernonia gigantea
• Vernonia glauca
• Vernonia noveboracensis

References

• Gilman, E. F. (1999). Vernonia acaulis. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp319
• Nelson, G. (n.d.). Vernonia acaulis. Retrieved from https://www.plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=veac
• Vernonia acaulis. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=VEAC