Vernonia arkansana - CURLYTOP IRONWEED (ARKANSAS IRONWEED)

This tall wildflower makes for a good garden perennial. Arkansas Ironweed (or Great Ironweed) gained 3 out of 4 stars in the Chicago Botanic Gardens Ironweed trials. 

It forms sizable clumps, has narrow leaves, and bears large (1.25") fluffy purple flowers from late summer through mid fall. 

Although full sun is optimal, it will tolerate half shade and is also black walnut tolerant. 

The flowers offer nectar and pollen to many native bees and pollinators (see below). It's older scientific name is Vernonia crinita.

Blooming Time: mid August - early October
Size: clumps about 5' tall x 3' wide
USDA Zones: 5 to 9
Culture: full sun to half shade, average soil, clay, loam
Moisture Needs: average to wet
Origin: native to several Midwestern/central states as well as NC, NY and CT (see the BONAP distribution map). In nature it is often found growing along streams, in wet meadows, thickets, gravel, sand bars, etc. 
Deer/Rabbit Resistant: yes / yes
Attracts Butterflies or Pollinators: yes / yes; attracts bumblebees, little carpenter bees, cuckoo bees, digger bees, leaf-cutting bees, Halictid bees (incl. green metallic bees), bee flies, butterflies, and skippers. Host plant for several bugs, moths and grasshoppers.
Attracts Hummingbirds: no
Pot Size: square 3.5" x 5" deep pot
Plant Combinations:
Picture Copyright: Eric Hunt, Commons Wikipedia