Discovering His Creation: Giant Ironweed-Tall Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) (Vernonia altissima)

Monday, September 1, 2014

Giant Ironweed-Tall Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) (Vernonia altissima)

When I caught a glimpse of this while driving I thought the purple flowers were beautiful. Tall and I guess weedy looking as the name says but yet I think beautiful. Giant Ironweed can grow up to 9 feet. I'm glad the ones we found were not that tall. It made it a little easier to take pictures of. It can be found in much of the eastern half of the United States, up to southern Canada and and also to Puerto Rico. This is one that the bees and butterflies love and some were around when we were taking pictures of it. It's said to be medicinal and one species was used by the Native Americans to relieve pain after childbirth, bleeding and stomachaches. I haven't found any information for uses of Vernonia gigantea presently although the 17 species of Vernonia found in North America are all said to have the properties as a blood purifier. They contain sesquiterpene lactone which help to prevent atherosclerosis, meaning prevents plaque build up in the arteries. I'm just passing on information here and would love to hear from anyone with more knowledge and facts about this and uses of this plant. As always find a trusted expert in these areas and seek their advice if interested in the medicinal use of any plant. I'm discovering more and more about God's awesome creation. I hope you will also.