This stout-stemmed native perennial grows up to 5 feet tall.  It is usually found in large clumps, spreading by underground roots (rhizomes) (B). The alternate lance-shaped leaves with finely toothed margins are up to 6 inches long (C). Numerous blue-purple flower heads form a loose flat-topped cluster near the top of the plant (A,D).  Each flower head contains up to 35 individual tubular, 5-lobed disk flowers with divided protruding styles (E,F). Fruit is a small seed with a tuft of attached hairs facilitating dispersal by the wind.

Another ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata), which was identified on the floodplain in Fontenelle Forest in the past, looks very similar. It prefers wetter areas and usually has dark brown pits on the undersides of its smooth and hairless leaves.