Family: Asteraceae, Aster view all from this family

Description Tall erect stem branches toward the summit, with each branch bearing a cluster of deep lavender to violet flower heads; together, clusters form a loose spray.
Flowers: clusters 3-4" (7.5-10 cm) wide, each head about 1/3" (8 mm) wide, with 30-50 5-lobed disk flowers; ray flowers absent; bracts surrounding flower heads with long hair-like tips.
Leaves: 4-8" (10-20 cm) long, alternate, finely toothed, lanceolate, pointed.
Fruit: seed-like, with double set of purplish bristles.
Height: 3-6' (90-180 cm).

Flower August-October.

Habitat Moist low ground and stream margins.

Range Massachusetts and New York south to Georgia; west to Mississippi; north to West Virginia and Ohio.

Discussion This often roughish plant is common in wet open bottomland fields. It typically has more flowers per head than Tall Ironweed.