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Plains ironweed

Vernonia marginata (Torr.) Raf.

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Plains ironweed
Plains ironweed

Morphology

Stem
Erect, finely pubescent above, nearly glabrous below, branched above.
Leaves
Alternate, mostly cauline, numerous, evenly distributed; blades narrowly lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, 2 to 6 inches long, 1/10 to 1/2 inch wide, mostly glabrous, upper surface scabrous along veins, lower surface deeply pitted and dotted.
Inflorescence
Heads in compact, corymb-like arrays. Involucres narrowly bell-shaped, 1/8 to 1/2 inch tall. Phyllaries 35-40, overlapping in several series, greenish-purple, tips acuminate.
Flower
Ray florets absent; disk florets 10-25+, reddish-purple, ca. 1/2 inch long.
Fruit
Achenes, pale brown to gray, elongate-ellipsoid, ribbed, glabrous; pappus of purplish to brownish-purple scales and bristles in 2 series, outer scales very short, inner bristles 1/8 to 1/4 inch long.

Ecology

Habitat
Stream edges, ditches, pastures
Distribution
Meade, Morton, Seward, and Stevens Counties in Kansas
Quick Facts
Plant Type
Wildflower
Family
Asteraceae – Sunflower or Composite Family
Life Span
Perennial
Height
12-30 inches
Origin
Native
Last Updated
2024-10-22
Color Groups
Blue, Purple, Lavender & Violet Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blooms: July, August