Tall Ironweed

Vernonia gigantea
 
 
 
This towering plant, reaching heights of up to 8 feet, has leaves that are lance-shaped and finely toothed. The flower heads each have 13-30 purple flowers and appear in late summer & early fall. Tolerant of acidic & clay soils. An excellent plant to attract butterflies. The rootstock has been used as a bitter tonic to stimulate the appetite & to purify the blood.  This Ontario native, not commonly available, makes a bold, welcome addition to the landscape.