The Vernonia genus includes 350 species[1] of shrubs and forbs in the Asteraceae (sunflower) family. Some species of Vernonia are also known as ironweed.
The genus is known to have dark purple flowers. The Vernonia genus takes its name from William Vernon, an English botanist. There have been many subsections and sub-genera named in the genus. Some ecologists have segregated the genus into different genera.
Species of the Vernonia genus occur in North America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. The plants have some fantastic and distinctive features. For example, some are incredibly tall and have rigid erect habits.
They stand upright with serrated leaves. Vernonia plants have small purple flowers gathered in loose clusters, making them popular cut flowers. This beautiful flower loves humid places and is often seen on the banks of small bodies of water like marshes.
