Bloom Color

Interesting Notes

Vernonia lettermannii grows mainly on gravel bars and in the cracks of rocks in the drainage area of the Ouchita River in Arkansas. USDA Distribution Map

"George W. Letterman, aged 72, a recluse and botanist, died in poverty and attended only by a negro neighbor in his little cabin at Allenton, thirty miles west of St. Louis, last night. Throughout his long stay in Allenton the botanist lived alone in his one-room cabin, spending most of his time in the woods in search of rare plants and trees. Many distinguished American and European scientists made pilgrimages to his cabin and went on excursions with him through his beloved woods along the Meramec. Many rare plants which he discovered were named after him. Harvard professorships twice were offered to Mr. Letterman, but he waved them aside as temptations, preferring the woods to halls of learning." Some of the genera containing species named for him are Vernonia, Poa, Stipa, and Crataegus. It does not appear that he ever published anything." Torreya (Vol. 13, p. 170)

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Grow Vernonia lettermannii in full sun and average to dry soils with good drainage. Periods of inundation are tolerated, but not heavy or saturated soils.