Ironweed is any of numerous plants that typically have purple flowers and stiff, hardy stems. People named these plants ironweeds because the sturdy stems often survived through the winter. The plants grow in many parts of the world.
Ironweeds are perennials, which means they live more than two years. Most stand from 1 to 7 feet (0.3 to 2.1 meters) tall and have long, pointed leaves. Their small flowers grow in tight clusters called heads. Each flower has a bell-like shape that ends in a five-pointed star.
People often use ironweeds as ornamental plants in landscape designs. The plants can grow in a variety of soils, but they typically require much sunlight. Growers usually sow ironweeds in the early spring or early fall.
