Description
Verbesina alternifolia | Wingstem
Wingstem, also called Yellow Wingstem, Common Wingstem, Yellow Ironweed, and Golden Honeyplant is a 6-8 ft tall, clump-forming native perennial wildflower in the sunflower family known for its tall height, winged stems and domed clusters of bright yellow daisy-like flower heads that bloom Aug-Oct, and has unique “wings” of tissue along its stem.
It grows in moist, shaded woods, fields, flood-plain pastures and marshes across eastern/central North and can handle full sun, but does appreciate some afternoon shade.
Verbesina alternifolia is recognized as having special value to pollinators because it supports such a great diversity of bees and wasps. It’s also a host plant for butterfly species, including the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly, Summer Azure butterfly, and Gold Moth.
Wingstem seeds require cold-moist stratification to break dormancy and germinate successfully. They need approximately 30 to 60 days of cold treatment (33-40°F). There are many methods to cold-stratify seeds, but the two key factors are always moisture and cold. The natural method is to sow seeds directly outdoors in late fall/winter. The best and easiest method indoors is to put a small amount of moist/wet sand/soil in a ziplock baggie and store in the refrigerator for 2 months time (or more). Once stratified, surface sow the seeds (and sand) and gently press into the dirt. Germination will occur with heat humidity and light indoors, or if outdoor, once spring temps and sunlight are adequate. Be sure to plant stratified seeds within a day or so after removing them from the refrigerator because as soon as they warm up they will be ready to grow and may start to sprout.
Type: Perennial
Sun exposure: Full sun to light shade
Mature height: 6-8 ft
Mature width: 2-3 ft
Hardiness zones: 4-8
