Vernonia angustifolia, commonly known as Narrowleaf Ironweed, is a perennial herb native to the southeastern United States, specifically found in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. It thrives in moist to wet areas such as floodplains, stream banks, and wet meadows. This species typically grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters) and has a similar spread. Narrowleaf Ironweed is characterized by its narrow, lance-shaped leaves and clusters of small, vibrant purple flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall. The flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators.

Narrowleaf Ironweed is valued for its showy flowers and ability to thrive in wet conditions, making it a suitable choice for rain gardens, native plant gardens, and areas with poor drainage. It is also used for naturalizing in wildflower meadows. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and moist to wet soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions, so gardeners may need to manage its spread to prevent it from overtaking other plants.CC BY-SA 4.0