Pest identification
What's eating my tall ironweed?
Aphids
Signs: Sticky honeydew, clusters on new shoots, sooty mould on lower leaves
Control: Blast with water; insecticidal soap if persistent; beneficial insects usually control them naturally
Caterpillars (American painted lady)
Signs: Leaf tissue eaten; silky webbing nests formed around shoot tips
Control: Tolerate — painted lady is a valued butterfly; remove silk nests and relocate larvae if severe
Leafhoppers
Signs: White stippling across leaf surface; minor cosmetic damage
Control: Neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predator populations
Keep tall ironweed pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tall Ironweed pests — FAQ
What is eating my tall ironweed?
Tall Ironweed is highly deer- and rabbit-resistant thanks to its bitter foliage. Aphids occasionally colonise new growth and caterpillars of American painted lady butterflies feed on leaves — often intentionally welcomed. Leafhoppers may cause minor stippling. Overall this is one of the least pest-prone native perennials available to gardeners.
How do I get rid of aphids on tall ironweed?
Sticky honeydew, clusters on new shoots, sooty mould on lower leaves Blast with water; insecticidal soap if persistent; beneficial insects usually control them naturally
How do I get rid of caterpillars (american painted lady) on tall ironweed?
Leaf tissue eaten; silky webbing nests formed around shoot tips Tolerate — painted lady is a valued butterfly; remove silk nests and relocate larvae if severe
How do I get rid of leafhoppers on tall ironweed?
White stippling across leaf surface; minor cosmetic damage Neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predator populations