Vernonia missurica, the Missouri ironweed, is a species of magenta-flowered perennial plant native to the central and east central United States. The plant is 90–150 cm (3–5 ft) in height and 90–120 cm (3–4 ft) in width, and in some cases can exceed up to 180 cm (6 ft). The flowers of Vernonia missurica bloom in July and August and are magenta with reddish-brown bracts. Vernonia missurica has a central stout stem that is covered with white hairs.

Vernonia missurica is native to the central and east central United States namely Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. The species grows in river bottom woods, wet prairies, fens, and sedge meadows.

Vernonia missurica is visited by many pollinators including long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers.

Type: Hardy perennial

Hardiness zones: 4-9

Height: 3-6', 90-180cm

Note: Ornamental use only. These seeds and/or plants are poisonous.

Seeds per pack: 25

Germination: Start these seeds right away to preserve viability, no matter the time of year. These seeds require a period of cold. Sow the seeds just under the surface of a sterile seed-start mix. Leave them at room temperature for 2 weeks. They will not grow yet. Then cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 5-6 weeks. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold stratification period they are then brought back to room temperature for them to germinate. If possible, the best location for sowing in March, April and May, is in cold frame or a cold greenhouse where they will receive the cold period and fluctuating temperatures naturally.