Smooth Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata) 1 GAL

A.k.a. common ironweed. Blooms with conspicuously vivid purple flowers. Wild plants are most often seen in wet areas with seasonal flooding, but they adapt well to average, mesic garden beds. Rarely bothered by herbivores, and easily self-seeds in disturbed areas.

Light: Full Sun

Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic

Soil Type: Loam

Height: 2′-5′

Bloom Color: Purple

Bloom Time: Aug-Sep

Root Type: Fibrous

Notable Wildlife Interactions: Flowers attract mainly long-tonged bees, butterflies, and skippers. Hosts several moths including the red groundling and parthenice tiger moth. Bitter foliage deters grazing.