We saw this patch of New York Ironweed at the edge of the parking lot at the Murphy Ingles.

 

We've seen it all around town, and on the highways, all the way up the Blue Ridge Parkway.  It's easy to spot, because when it blooms it stands erect, about 3-9 feet tall, and the flowers are this electric purple color.  My Wildflowers in Color book says:  Each plant consists of many heads of purple or rose-purple flowers, there being 20 or more small, tubular blossoms in each cluster.  The aggregate of flower heads tends to appear flat-topped.

 

Be on the lookout in your travels.  They are so pretty!!!

 

HAPPY ALMOST FALL!!!