Ironweed - Vernonia missurica

Vernonia missurica, or Ironweed, is a perennial wildflower native to southern Michigan. It flowers from July to September with a magenta purple blossom and reaches 3 to 5 feet in height. Ironweed prefers medium to wet soil and can be used in rain gardens, but does fine in garden soil. It prefers full sun and works as a backing plant in a garden for a pop of color, or naturalized into meadows. Will also grow in part sun.  Popular with pollinators, Ironweed flowers attract long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers.  Host plant for several colorful moths, including the Parthenice Tiger Moth, Grammia parthenice.