Little Ironweed
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(Cyanthillium cinereum)
Little Ironweed (Cyanthillium cinereum)
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© Ong Jyh Seng
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
© Ong Jyh Seng
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Ong Jyh Seng | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Uploader: ongzi | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Summary
Cyanthillium cinereum, commonly known as little ironweed, is an annual herb native to open woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed sites in tropical Africa and Asia. It has also become naturalized in regions such as Australia, Mesoamerica, tropical South America, the West Indies, and Florida. This plant typically grows to a height of up to 47 inches and features flat-topped clusters of small, showy pinkish or purplish disc florets that bloom throughout the year in its native range. Little ironweed is valued for its medicinal properties in traditional systems of medicine and is often used in butterfly gardens due to its attractiveness to pollinators.
In cultivation, little ironweed thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. It is relatively low-maintenance but may require regular watering during prolonged dry periods. Due to its invasive potential, it should be planted with caution and monitored for unwanted spread. Gardeners should be aware that in some areas, it can outcompete native species and disrupt local ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0
In cultivation, little ironweed thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. It is relatively low-maintenance but may require regular watering during prolonged dry periods. Due to its invasive potential, it should be planted with caution and monitored for unwanted spread. Gardeners should be aware that in some areas, it can outcompete native species and disrupt local ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed sites in tropical regions
Other Names
Common Names: Purple Fleabane, Rabo De Buey, Ye Xiang Niu, Vernonia cinerea
Scientific Names: Cyanthillium cinereum, Blumea chinensis, Blumea esquirolii, Blumea grandiflora, Blumea grandiflora, Cacalia cinerea, Cacalia erigerodes, Cacalia erigeroides, Cacalia exilis, Cacalia kroneana
GBIF Accepted Name: Cyanthillium cinereum