The elevation gradually slopes downward from the prairie into the wetland. The vegetation seems higher on the horizon and more impenetrable.
photo by Tim Burke

Moist prairies, wet meadows and pastures provide habitat for ironweed, a relative of the blazing star (composite or daisy family) reaching heights of between 2-6 feet.


The leaves are numerous, without hairs, and alternate. Ironweed has deep pink/purple domed or flat topped flower clusters and blooms from July to September.
video photos by Cynthia Gehrie