Western Ironweed
| Plant Profile | |
|---|---|
| FYUSE 3d Image |
Common Name: Western Ironweed Other Names: Baldwin’s Ironweed Species Name: Vernonia baldwinii Plant Type: Forb Family Name: Asteraceae, Sunflower Family |
Examples of Western IronweedVernonia baldwinii
| Plant Facts | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Native |
| Duration | Annual, perennial or biennial |
| Distribution in the U.S. | Midwest; Illinois to Arkansas west to Colorado and Texas |
| Distribution in Oklahoma | Body of the state |
ID Characteristics
- Field Identification Characteristics
Vegetative
- Erect stems unbranched below and branched above
- Numerous leaves with finely serrated edges attached directly to stem; alternate
- Named for its very hard stem; Can have purplish hue
Floral
- Numerous medium-sized pink to purple flower heads
- Leaf and Stem Characteristics
- Leaf Type: Simple
- Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
- Leaf Shape: Lanceolate
- Stipules: Absent
- Floral Characteristics
- Petal Number: 17-34
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flower Timing: July-September
- Fruit Type: Achene
| Habitat/Ecology | |
|---|---|
| Soil Type | Deep clay and loamy soils |
| Habitat | Prairie, introduced pasture, recently logged sites and heavily grazed areas |
| Successional Stage | Mid to late, but generally always present |
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