Ironweed (Vernonia sp.) in Bloom, Showing Leaf Borer Damage

In Albums: flowers nature Philadelphia plants

Ironweed, with dark green leaves and vibrant purple flowers, with one leaf showing damage from a leaf borer

Sep 18th, 2013, by Alex Zorach

This photo shows ironweed (Vernonia sp.) in bloom; I love this plant for its striking purple flowers, a really intense color, that bloom in late summer and early fall.

I photographed this specimen at Bartram's garden in Philadelphia, in a low-lying shady area near the river.