Vernonia missurica, Ironweed drought-tolerant and leathery dark green leaves

and leathery dark green leaves on rusty red stems are very handsome together on this self-clinging vine

especially in the afternoon

This shrub is more dense than the species but also gracefully arching

rounded plants

Vernonia missurica, Ironweed drought-tolerant and leathery dark green leavesDense, 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