Vernonia arkansana

Ironweed are tall US natives that look quite similar to each other. All bloom late in the season; purple flowers are much loved by pollinators, especially butterflies.

Great ironweed aka Arkansas ironweed aka curlytop ironweed is easily identified by its long, thin, curly green bracts. Easy to grow on moist soil in full sun.

Zones: 3 to 8
Family: Asteraceae
Type: Perennial
Height: 36 in 60 in.
Spread: 36 to 48 in.
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Conditions: Moist, average
Bloom Time: September to November
Bloom Color: purple-violet
Native Range: Illinois to Kansas south to Arkansas and Oklahoma