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Western Ironweed: Research On Anatomy, Physiology, Life History And Control, M. K. Mccarty, C. J. Scifres

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

Western ironweed (Vernonia baldwini Torr.) is a member of a widespread and diverse genus. The genus is characterized by perennial herbs and shrubs. Weaver and Darland listed the increase of western ironweed, at one time sparsely distributed, as an indication of degeneration of the true prairie. They described the invasion, spread, and ultimate dominance of western ironweed in many pastures after the drought years. Weaver measured ironweed roots to a depth of 11 or 12 ft., and remarked that it was one of "the most abundant and worst weeds in native pastures derived from the true prairie." Research has …