Missouri Ironweed - Vernonia missurica
This ironweed grows between 90 cm and 1.50 m tall.
The stunning magenta flowers bloom in July and August.
 
Ecology:
Bee and monarch butterfly magnet. The pollen supports various pollen specialist bees which can only use pollen from ironweed to provision their brood cells with bee bread. Larval host plant for moths in caterpillar stage. Flowers also attract syrphid flies and soldier beetles which are excellent beneficial insects to keep pests in a vegetable garden in check. The seeds feed songbirds in winter. 
 
Growing conditions:
Full sun to part sun. Very adaptable to various soil types, medium to medium wet soil conditions.