Vernonia noveboracensis, New York Ironweed - this large perennial can grow up to 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It prefers moist acidic soils in full sun, but can tolerate some shade. Its purple blooms emerge in July and can continue blooming through September. This is a pollinator magnet, attracting a wide range of insects including specialized bees. The seeds feed song birds in the colder months.
 
Native to nearly every county in NC. Click to view its range in North Carolina.
 
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