Vernonia arkansana

Vernonia arkansana (also known as Arkansas ironweed^[1] and Great Ironweed^[2]) is a species of perennial plant from Asteraceae family that can be found in south-central United States. The plant is 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) high and 3–4 feet (0.91–1.22 m) wide. The flowers bloom from August to September and are pink-purple coloured.^[3]

Ecology

The plant is pollinated by various insects such as bees, butterflies, and skippers. The same fauna representatives also collect nectar. Bees like Melissodes vernoniae are frequent visitors to Vernonia plants in general. Another special guest the species attract is Aphis vernoniae, an aphid that prefers to suck on juice of the species. Various caterpillars of moths also enjoy the feeding. Birds on the other hand, don't feed on it, due to hard seeds, and small amount of pollen left (for hummingbirds). Herbevorian mammals are also avoiding the plant due to the bitter foliage it grows as.^[2]

References