Vernonia gigantea (also known as Giant ironweed, Tall Ironweed^[1] or Ironweed^[2]) is a species of perennial plant from Asteraceae family that can be found in United States and Canada.^[3] The plant is considered to be an invasive species in the United States and have numerous common names.^[3]

Description

They are 3-7 feet tall,^[4] but could also be 5-10 inches by 1-2 inches.^[2] Their stem is either green or purplish green coloured, and can be either be hairy or pubescent. The leaves are up to 10 inches long and 2½ inches across, and are ovate. Their leaves could also be lanceolate-oblong or ellipticaly shaped, with serrated margins. The leaves' upper surface is hairless and is dark green in colour. The leaves' base has either a petiole or sessile.^[4] The flowers bloom from July to September and are purple coloured. They can be found growing in moist soils by the roadsides, and are common in the meadows and open woodlands.^[2]

References