Pest identification
What's eating my new york ironweed?
Aphids
Signs: Sticky deposits and honeydew on stems; ants farming colonies on fresh growth
Control: Hose off; insecticidal soap if colonies are large; natural predators keep them in check
Caterpillars (American painted lady)
Signs: Notched leaf edges; silky webbing around shoot tips where larvae shelter
Control: Tolerate as a host plant; manually remove nests if plant health is threatened
Slugs
Signs: Ragged holes at soil level on young plants; silvery slime trails
Control: Iron phosphate bait; beer traps; clear debris that shelters slugs near crowns
Keep new york ironweed pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
New York Ironweed pests — FAQ
What is eating my new york ironweed?
New York Ironweed is largely problem-free and strongly deer-resistant. Aphids are the most likely visitor, appearing on tender new growth in spring, and American painted lady caterpillars use it as a host plant. Slugs can damage young transplants. Established clumps shrug off most pest pressure with no intervention needed.
How do I get rid of aphids on new york ironweed?
Sticky deposits and honeydew on stems; ants farming colonies on fresh growth Hose off; insecticidal soap if colonies are large; natural predators keep them in check
How do I get rid of caterpillars (american painted lady) on new york ironweed?
Notched leaf edges; silky webbing around shoot tips where larvae shelter Tolerate as a host plant; manually remove nests if plant health is threatened
How do I get rid of slugs on new york ironweed?
Ragged holes at soil level on young plants; silvery slime trails Iron phosphate bait; beer traps; clear debris that shelters slugs near crowns