Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia 'Goldstrahl')
Verbesina alternifolia 'Goldstrahl' (Wingstem) is a stunning, low-maintenance perennial boasting bright yellow blooms from late summer into fall.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Verbesina alternifolia ‘Goldstrahl’, commonly known as Wingstem, is a magnificent, tall-growing herbaceous perennial ideal for adding dramatic vertical interest to a native landscape. This cultivar is prized for its abundant late-season color, featuring bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom throughout August and into October when many other perennials are fading. The plant is structurally robust, developing stiff, hairy, and distinctly winged stems, which give the Wingstem its unique common name.
As an easily cultivated native species, Verbesina alternifolia ‘Goldstrahl’ offers exceptional value for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, high-impact additions to naturalized areas. It thrives in average conditions, though it prefers moisture, and its towering presence makes it a reliable anchor in wildflower meadows or large cottage gardens. The late-season nectar supply provided by the yellow ray flowers also makes this selection highly beneficial for late-season pollinators.
This Wingstem variety is notably resilient, exhibiting few serious pest or disease issues, which contributes to its low maintenance rating. Gardeners should utilize its substantial size where it can be allowed to spread naturally, creating a vibrant backdrop featuring the bright yellow blooms of Verbesina alternifolia ‘Goldstrahl’.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 5-7 ft
- Spread: 2-6 ft
- Bloom Time: August to October
- Bloom Description: Yellow ray flowers and greenish yellow disk flowers
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Verbesina alternifolia ‘Goldstrahl’ establishes easily, often beginning its life cycle simply from seed if conditions are right. Plant this perennial in spring or early fall in average, medium, well-drained soils. While it thrives in organically rich soils that remain consistently moist, the Wingstem demonstrates good tolerance for drier periods once established, making it adaptable to variable garden conditions.
For optimal performance and the best flower display, ensure the plant receives full sun, though it will tolerate partial shade. Average watering practices are suitable; provide regular moisture, especially during establishment or prolonged dry spells. Due to its height and vigorous growth, supplemental fertilizer is rarely needed, as rich soil often encourages excessive flopping.
Maintenance for this species is wonderfully simple. Apart from cutting back the spent stems in early spring before new growth begins, little attention is required. Be aware that the stiff, winged stems mean it generally supports its own structure well, although staking might occasionally be necessary for the tallest specimens in windy sites.
Landscape Uses
Given its impressive stature, Verbesina alternifolia ‘Goldstrahl’ is explicitly not recommended for typical formal borders where its size and somewhat weedy nature might appear out of place. Instead, its primary aesthetic purpose is integration into large, naturalistic settings. It excels when naturalized within native plant gardens or allowed to roam freely in wildflower meadows, where its height blends naturally with other tall prairie or woodland edge species.
When used in cottage gardens, pair the towering vertical structure of the Wingstem with mid-height, late-blooming perennials that offer contrasting colors or textures. Sources specializing in native plants are often the best place to acquire Verbesina alternifolia ‘Goldstrahl’, ensuring genetic purity for native installations. Its robust nature means it needs space to develop its full colony.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Verbesina alternifolia commonly called wingstem or yellow ironweed is a tall, weedy, clump-forming perennial that is native to woodland areas in eastern and central North America. In Missouri, it typically occurs in low open or rich woods, wood margins, meadows, thickets and in alluvial soils near streams, sloughs and ditches throughout most of the state (Steyermark). Bright yellow, daisy-like flowers (1-2” diameter) with drooping rays bloom from August to October atop upright, stiff, hairy, winged stems growing 4-8’ tall. Each flower typically features 2-8 narrow, reflexed, bright yellow rays with a slightly darker yellow center disk. Flowers sometimes appear rayless with only disk flowers, hence the common name of yellow ironweed. Sessile or short-stalked, toothed, lanceolate-elliptic leaves (4-12” long) are rough-textured above. Leaf tissue extends beyond the leaf base and down the stems of the plant, hence the common name of wingstem. Seeds are attractive to birds. Synonymous with and formerly known as Actinomeris alternifolia.Genus name comes from the plants resemblance to Verbena.Specific epithet is in reference to the alternate leaf arrangement.‘Goldstrahl’ means bright gold in German. ‘Goldstrahl’ has bright yellow ray flowers and greenish yellow flowers in its center disk. It grows 4 to 7 ft. Tall and 2 to 6 ft. Wide
Tolerances
Potential Problems
This plant is highly valued because it generally faces no serious insect or disease problems, making it a low-risk choice for reliable late-season color. Because it is robust and adaptable, serious cultural problems are uncommon, provided it is not sited in deeply shaded or poorly drained heavy clay soils. Gardeners should monitor for overcrowding; if the Wingstem becomes too dense, stem strength may slightly decrease, leading to minor flopping, though this is easily managed by cutting back early in the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Wingstem suitable for?
Verbesina alternifolia ‘Goldstrahl’ is suitable for gardeners in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Wingstem grow?
This herbaceous perennial typically reaches a height between 5 and 7 feet, with a mature spread ranging from 2 to 6 feet wide.
When does Wingstem bloom?
Wingstem puts on its late-season display from August through October, featuring yellow ray flowers and greenish yellow disk flowers.
What sun exposure does Wingstem need?
Verbesina alternifolia ‘Goldstrahl’ performs best in full sun but will tolerate, and still perform adequately in, partial shade conditions.
Conclusion
Verbesina alternifolia ‘Goldstrahl’ provides unmatched utility for naturalistic planting schemes, delivering vibrant, long-lasting yellow blooms well into the autumn months with minimal gardening effort. Its combination of height, low maintenance, and resilience makes the Wingstem an outstanding choice for ecological landscapes. Before planting, confirm your site falls within USDA Zones 4-8 and ensure adequate space for this substantial perennial to achieve its full, glorious height.
Wildlife Benefits
The late bloom time of Verbesina alternifolia ‘Goldstrahl’ offers critical late-season forage when many other flowers have finished. The daisy-like flower heads are highly attractive to various beneficial insects, including many types of bees and late-migrating butterflies that urgently need nectar reserves. Planting masses of this Wingstem creates a reliable landing spot for these pollinators during late summer and fall.
In addition to supporting insect populations, the seeds produced late in the season by the yellow flowers are appealing to birds. Allowing flower heads to remain standing through the winter months provides both a food source for avian visitors and structural interest in the dormant garden.
Propagation Tips
The easiest method for propagating Verbesina alternifolia ‘Goldstrahl’ is by seed. The species is noted as being “easy to grow from seed,” suggesting that stratification or specialized pre-treatment may not be strictly necessary, though following standard practices for Asteraceae seeds can improve germination rates. Sow seeds directly into the garden in fall for spring germination, or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost.
For established clumps, division offers a faster route to creating new plants of the same size and vigor. Dig up sections of established Wingstem during the early spring before active growth starts, ensuring each division retains a healthy section of roots and basal buds. Plant these divisions immediately and keep them well-watered to encourage rapid establishment in their new locations.
