Giant or Tall Ironweed
Vernonia gigantea

Although this ironweed grows up to 10 feet tall, the flowers in loose clusters are only about a quarter inch wide. Leaves are alternate, lanceolate, and have fine hairs on the underside. The leaves are 4 to 10 inches long. Tall ironweed is common in moist or wet areas. It has a very tough stem, hence its name. Ironweed root was used by Native Americans to cure various blood disorders.

Ironweed blooms from August to October and is a favorite feeding place for butterflies, such as gulf fritillaries and spicebush swallowtails.

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