Not many plants bloom in the hottest months of the year. But these two natives are tough as nails — and have the name to prove it.
The name ironweed technically refers to the strong stems, but for Lindheimer’s and Texas ironweed it can also refer to their strong constitutions.
When spring growth begins to die back and expose the white rock of the Hill Country, Lindheimer’s ironweed begins to bloom. The same is true of its sandy land counterpart, Texas ironweed.
Standing about 3 feet in height, Lindheimer’s ironweed, is a great addition to any San Antonio garden. The leaves are very narrow with a wooly covering of white hair that also covers the stems and new flower buds, hence the name wooly ironweed. The silver green appearance of just the foliage makes it a standout plant, but when the bright purple flowers start appearing in late June and July it really begins to pop.
A little more understated, Texas ironweed can be found in the wild growing in the shade of post oaks and black hickory south of San Antonio. Texas ironweed leaves start out wide near the base of the plant but become narrower as they go up the stem. The flowers aren’t as dense or plentiful as wooly ironweed, but they’re just as purple.
Both native ironweeds provide an important bridge for pollinators to make it from the abundance of spring through the lean months of summer to the resurgence of blooms in fall.
In their respective habitats only the toughest of plants can consistently pull this off, and in return they don’t have much competition for pollinators from other plants. Can you brave the heat to enjoy these beautiful plants?
