Tall Ironweed

vernonia gigantea is a native wildflower that can grow up to 10 feet tall. it is a common roadside flower seen in august. the genus name 'vernonia' was given in honor of william vernon, an english botanist who worked in north america. 'ironweed' refers to the toughness of the stem and the fact that it is very difficult to dig up this species with a shovel. native americans used the root to relieve pain.
tall ironweed is a most troublesome pasture weed because cows tend to find it distasteful.

all the best.