Vernonia missurica, Ironweed drought-tolerant " but its white-dappled leaves

" but its white-dappled leaves make it all the more elaborate and delicate

Photo of leaves by Skarz

'Baby Bun'

dark green

especially in the afternoon

Vernonia missurica, Ironweed drought-tolerant " but its white-dappled 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