Expert Insights🌿: Alex says that Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) is a late-summer-blooming member of the Asteraceae or sunflower family native to the eastern US🌻. This plant gets its name from the iron-strong stems that support its towering magenta flowers. Ironweed is often spotted in abandoned fields and meadows—this is because cows and other grazing animals will not eat it. Consider adding ironweed to your garden as a beautiful and herbivore-resistant late-season nectar source for pollinators�