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ironweed
Scientific Name: Cyanthillium
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Ironweed (Vernonia spp.)
The name "Ironweed" commonly refers to plants within the genus Vernonia. Several species are mentioned, including:
- Tall Ironweed (Vernonia altissima)
- New York Ironweed
- Common Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata)
- Giant Ironweed
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Vernonia
- Family: Asteraceae (also known as Compositae or Sunflower family)
Distribution and Habitat
- Ironweeds are found across North America.
- Tall Ironweed (Vernonia altissima) is commonly found in Kentucky.
- They thrive in moist thickets, marshes, meadows, and non-cropland areas such as grazed pasture fields.
Morphological Characteristics
- Ironweeds are tough, grayish-green, branching perennial plants.
- Tall Ironweed (Vernonia altissima) has a highly visible dark red stem that grows over 7 feet tall and is widely branched at the top.
- Flowers are typically reddish-purple florets.
- New York Ironweed has saturated-violet and narrow petaled flowers.
- Stems are stout and covered with fine hair.
- Generally 3-6' tall.
Ecological Role
- Tall Ironweed (Vernonia altissima) can be considered a weed in certain environments, like grazed pasture fields.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Ironweeds attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
- The seeds of Tall Ironweed attract birds.
Further Information
- Ironweed Native Plant Nursery
- UT Extension