Verbesina alternifolia.
Wingstem, also known as Yellow Ironweed, is a perennial wildflower native to the central and eastern regions of the United States where it can often be found growing in moist woodlands or alongside streams.
Plant grows to about 8 feet in height and produces domed clusters of bright yellow flowers with spiny florets that resemble pin cushions.
Flowers bloom from July through October and attracts numerous species of bees (so many, if fact, that the plant was once marketed to beekeepers as the Golden Honey Plant!).
Wingstem
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8 Light Requirement: Partial to full shade Soil Type: Rocky, sandy Sow Depth: 1/8 inch Plant Spacing: 18 to 24 inches Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 30 days Bloom Time: July through October Growing Tips
Direct sow in late fall by lightly pressing the seeds into the soil. For spring planting, mix seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days (cold stratification) before planting.
A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.