While driving along the highway this gorgeous plant just stood out so vividly and was very striking. I had to turn around and go back to get a picture. I have seen the "Wolly-Ironweed" but have never seen this type. It is a member of the Aster family (Asteraceae) and blooms from June through November.
This Ironweed was about 4 ft. tall and such a beautiful colorful plant. The leaves were quite unique also. Well worth the effort to get a photo. Bees and Butterflies were busy buzzing all over it. Normally this plant is found in North Central, Panhandle, Eastern Panhandle and Far Western parts of the states. This is the first time I have found it in extreme Northeast Texas. What a great find!! It is said to be on of the the most spectacular of the fall bloomers, doing pretty good right now in June, can't wait to see it in fall. Plants can be started from seeds or young seedlings and quite a beautiful addition to your garden. They grow in large showy clumps. The leaves are very bitter and are not grazed by wildlife or livestock. Certain parts of the Ironweeds were used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans. Some made tea from the roots to prevent pregnancy, to ease the pain of childbirth and to treat ulcers. English botanist, William Vernon gave this plant its genus name,"vernonia". He studied plants and flowers in North American until his death in 1711.
Teach my THY way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Wait on the LORD, be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalm 27:11, 14
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