New York Ironweed
Scientific name: Verononia noveboracensis
This is a tall, clump-forming perennial and has very tall erect stems reaching 5-8 feet in height. Look for its blooms in late summer and early fall. Some say that this plant got its name from the rusty-colored seeds it produces in fall.
Leaves
Lance shaped and dark green.
Flowers
Small clusters of disk shaped flowers are a lavendar color. If you look closely, you will see that they are a disk shape.
Why Not...
Plant some for late season color and the wildlife it will attract. Deer are unlikely to eat this.
Habitat
It is commonly found in wet, open bottom land fields.
Ecosystem Connections
Goldfinches and other seed-eating birds enjoy the seeds when they develop in late summer and fall. This is a good reason to let plants go to seed.
Human Connections
The Native Americans used this plant as a pain reliever.
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