Vernonia noveboracensis (New York ironweed or vein-leaf hawkweed) is a plant in the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is native to the eastern United States, from Florida to Massachusetts and west to Tennessee, Alabama, and West Virginia and to southern Ontario. Description Vernonia noveboracensis is a herbaceous plant with alternate, simple leaves, on stiff, greenish purple stems. The flowers are purple, borne in summer and fall. This ironweed is an herbaceous perennial that spreads by seeds and runners. Ironweed can be an aggressive weed in moist soils. See also Joe Pye Weed References noveboracensis Flora of the Eastern United States