Due to its larger size, the New York ironweed is best-suited for large gardens, butterfly gardens, meadows, wildflower gardens, prairies, or the back of perennial borders. On an even larger scale, New York ironweed can protect mass plantings from soil erosion.  Ironweed looks especially natural and complementary when planted with other fall composite flowers, such as Joe-Pye weed, goldenrod, or bright yellow sunflower species.  If you're concerned with deer damaging your garden, ironweed plants make an excellent choice because they are rarely browsed.