Ironweed

Vernonia spp.

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

▲▼ new growth in early summer

▲▼ flower buds

▲▼ flowers

▲ mature plant

Ironweed: (pp. 178-179, Weeds of the Great Plains—not in Weeds of the Northeast)

·         group of native, simple perennial weeds with bright purple flowers

·         distinguish between species by bracts surrounding purplish head inflorescences and leaf/stem characteristics

o   in Missouri, have 3-4 species that are widely found

o   in pastures, usually is tall ironweed (Vernonia altissima) or western ironweed (Vernonia baldwinii) or smooth ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata)

o   Great ironweed (Vernonia crinita) more common in moist, open woods, riparian areas

·         most have tall stems (2-8') tall, topped with open panicles of deep purple flowers

·         usually in pastures, abandoned fields, wetland areas

·         cattle do not prefer wiry ironweed stems, so tend to multiply in overgrazed areas