Common Name: Tall Ironweed

Scientific Name: Vernonia gigantea

Family: Asteraceae

Habitat: Prairies, Meadows Along Streams, Woodland Edges

Native: Yes

Life Cycle: Perennial

Bloom Time: Summer, Fall

Height: Up to 12 feet

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Well drained, Moist

Pollinators: Bees, Butterflies

Description: Tall Ironweed, which can grow up to 12 feet tall, is named after its height and its stems, which are tough like iron. Tall Ironweed is a native, perennial wildflower that blooms between late summer and fall, and can be identified by its magenta purple flowers and dark green, elliptical leaves with slightly serrated edges. Tall Ironweed tends to grow naturally in meadows, prairies, woodland edges, and along streams where there is full sun to partly shady conditions and moist, well-drained soil. Tall Ironweed also attracts many pollinators, including bees and butterflies. This photo of Tall Ironweed was taken in the Native Grass Meadow at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve.