Family: Asteraceae
Author: Rafin.
Bibliography: Herb. raf. 28-29. 1833
Year: 1833
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Vernonia
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & EC. U.S.A.
Description
Missouri ironweed, scientifically known as Vernonia missurica, is a striking perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Discovered and documented in the early 19th century, this formidable plant holds a place in the records of respected botanist Constantine Samuel Rafinesque, whose work in 1833 marked a significant milestone in its scientific recognition.
Native to the central and eastern regions of the United States, Missouri ironweed is commonly found thriving in the rich soils of meadows, prairies, and the open woodlands of these areas. Its robust nature and adaptability make it a prevalent species in these environments, where it stands out with its towering presence.
Reaching impressive heights, Missouri ironweed can grow between 3 to 7 feet tall, adorned with lance-shaped leaves that provide a lush, green backdrop to its more vibrant attributes. The plant is best known for its vivid purple flower clusters, which typically bloom from late summer into early fall. These flowers attract a host of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it a valuable plant for supporting local ecosystems.
Beyond its ecological contributions, Missouri ironweed is notable for its resilience and minimal care requirements, which has led to its popularity in native plant gardens and restoration projects. It flourishes best in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils, although it can endure periods of drought once established.
Missouri ironweed’s distinctive aesthetic and practical benefits make it a noteworthy species within the diverse flora of the United States, embodying both natural beauty and ecological importance.
Common Names
Eng: missouri ironweed
Fra: vernonie du missouri
En: Missouri ironweed
Fr: Vernonie du Missouri
Synonyms
- Vernonia missurica f. swinkii (Steyerm.)
- Vernonia drummondii (Shuttlew. ex Werner)
- Vernonia aborigina (Gleason)
- Vernonia missurica f. carnea (Standl.)
- Vernonia michiganensis (Daniels)
- Vernonia missurica var. austroriparia (Gleason)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 18, 2014 by EOL − caseyzill (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Casey (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 25, 2022 by lori law (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2022 by Jeffrey Watson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 2, 2022 by K O (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Sep 6, 2022 by Hobbes Zahn (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2022 by business nunna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Casey (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5397399)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30038166-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vernonia missurica Raf.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Crown
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 5.0
