Vernonia noveboracensis Monkey Flower low growing perennial bunchgrass

low growing perennial bunchgrass

daisy-like flowers of Sneezeweed

Legend has it that the “tick” part of the common name of this plant comes from its method of seed distribution by sticking to animals and clothing the way ticks do

and it is noted particularly as a food source for the tiny weevil acanthoscelides aureoles that lives at the lowest level of the predatory food chain

It thrives in shaded areas

Vernonia noveboracensis Monkey Flower low growing perennial bunchgrassThis towering purple beauty can grow up to eight feet and is a favorite of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Flowers appear in clusters from mid summer to fall. An added bonus: the bitter leaves of this plant repel rabbits and deer.