ˈironweed
[f. iron n. + weed n.; so called from the hard stem.]
The Knapweed (Centaurea nigra), and the N. American species of Vernonia.
| 1819 D. Thomas Trav. Western Country 231 The iron⁓weed, which I first saw above Pittsburgh, extends on clayey lands all the way to the Wabash. 1827 Clare Sheph. Cal. 47 And ‘Iron-weed’, content to share The meanest spot that spring can spare. 1860 Bartlett Dict. Amer., Iron Weed (Vernonia noveboracensis)..almost the only tall weed found in the beautiful ‘woods pastures’ of Kentucky and Tennessee. 1880 J. Hay Pike Country Ball. 97 And widely weaves the Iron-Weed A woof of purple dyes. 1963 Gleason & Cronquist Man. Vasc. Plants Northeastern U.S. 746 Vernonia Schreb. Ironweed... Our spp. bloom in late summer and fall. |