The genus Vernonia, commonly known as ironweed, is an often-overlooked aster relative that has tremendous horticultural potential. Vernonia ranges from compact and tidy plants to towering behemoths topping out at over 13 feet in height. Sam Hoadley, Mt. Cuba’s manager or horticultural research, will be your guide through the trials, sharing how Vernonia is evaluated to determine horticultural value and performance, disease resistance, and pollinator preference. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. About the Instructor: Sam Hoadley is the Manager of Horticultural Research at Mt. Cuba Center where he evaluates native plant species, old and new cultivars, and hybrids in the Trial Garden. He earned his degree in Sustainable Landscape Horticulture from the University of Vermont. Some of his favorite native plants include Amsonia, Baptisia, Clematis, and Silphium.