Vernonia missurica, Ironweed

Dense, fluffy, magenta-purple flowers emerge right before our asters to welcome in the fall. The saturated purple is incredible in the orange evening light of western late summer. Performs beautifully as a backdrop for goldenrods (Solidago), Echinacea, and Lobelias.  It does self-sow, so remove flower heads before seeds develop if you want to limit its territory. Native to moist open areas of the Midwest, it tolerates periodic flooding. The more moist the soil, the taller the plant. It can handle our dry clay sites as well.  Mature size: 4 ft T x w Minimum temperature: -30° F