Vernonia noveboracensis

Vernonia noveboracensis (New York ironweed) is in the sunflower family, Asteraceae. It is native to the eastern United States, from Florida to Massachusetts and west to Tennessee, Alabama, and West Virginia.  Ironweed is an herbaceous perennial that spreads both by seeds and by runners. It has alternate, simple leaves, on stiff, greenish purple stems.  The flowers are a deep purple, borne in summer and fall.  Ironweed can be aggressive in moist soils, where it is normally found.