Verbesina alternifolia

Late in the summer, wingstem’s flowerheads appear like bursts of soft yellow light. Thriving under a range of conditions, wingstem can be found growing in meadows as well as streamside forests. Tolerant of fairly wet as well as average soils, wingstem is a perfect plant for rain gardens, which typically show much fluctuation in terms of moisture. And wingstem is one of the rare wet-tolerant plants that can also handle shade.

A competitive species, wingstem spreads via long rhizomes and often forms sizeable colonies. Its resistance to staying put makes it more fitting for a prairie-style garden as opposed one that is more orderly. Including other vigorous species when gardening with wingstem will help to reign it in, leading to a more balanced outcome. Late boneset, grass-leaved goldenrod, New England aster, and tall ironweed are all robust, late season bloomers that can often be found growing alongside wingstem in nature. Ironweed, in particular, pairs very well with wingstem, creating a stunning magenta and yellow combo.

Wherever it grows, wingstem is an important plant for wildlife, especially bumble bees. The florets at the center of wingstem’s flowerheads have a long-tubular shape which is well-suited for the bees. Short-tongued pollinators can’t access the nectar contained in the florets, which leaves more for the bumble bees, which are long-tongued.

References: 1,2,3,4,5,6.

Photo by Ashley Keesling.