Asteraceae Family - "Ironweed, Western Ironweed"

Vernonia is named in honor of English botanist, William Vernon and fasciculata is from the Latin word for "clustered, grouped together".

Found throughout the Tallgrass Prairie area wet sites, roadsides and marshes. Deep purple flower heads up to 6 inches across in bloom from July to September; stems often reddish color; leaves are sharp-toothed and have pits on the undersides. The common name "Ironweed" is derived from the tough nature of this plant. It is unpalateable to both humans and animals, so it is often left standing in grazed areas; it is also very fibrous.

No medicinal or food uses reported.