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IRONWEED
Veronica altissima.
Ironweed is also known as Tall Ironweed.
Plant Type: This is a herbaceous plant, it is a perennial which can reach a height of 3 Meters (10 feet ) .
Leaves: The leaves are alternate. Leaves can reach 25cm in length (10inches). Each lanced shaped leaf is very finely toothed and downy on the underside.
Flowers: The flowers have 5 Regular Parts. They are deep purple. Blooms first appear in mid summer and continue into mid fall. The individual flowers are tiny and this species usually has from 13 to 30 flowers per head. The heads are about 1cm wide when fully opened. The bracts on the flower heads are blunt tipped.
Habitat: Moist fields or open woods. Range: Throughout the southeast.
Often seen in meadows and fallow fields the rich purple of the flowers and the tall straight stems make this plant easy to spot. According to my father the stems can be used for kite building.
Medical Uses: Some spices of Ironweed have been used to treat stomach problems. Native Americans may have used the root to treat post childbirth pain and to restore regular menses.(Foster & Duke)
Similar Species: New York Ironweed, V. noveboracensis is not as tall and has between 30 and 50 flowers per head. The bracts end in long bristles. V. glauca is much shorter, usually under a meter, and has broader leaves. It is usually found in well drained open woods or fence rows. V. flaccidifolia is a rare species of Ironweed. It has less than 30 flowers per head and is found in a relativity limited area more or less centered where Ten-nessee, Alabama and Georgia meet.
