Origin:
Native to eastern North America, where it occurs throughout the eastern half of the continent and into Oklahoma and Texas.
Biology:
A perennial plant that reproduces from seeds. In colder climates foliage dies in the winter, with new growth from the roots each spring. Plants are highly tolerant of wet soils, and are common in marshy, shaded habitats, as well as edges of creeks and ditches.
Identification:
Plants are large and bunch-forming, with long leaves and stalks to over 5 feet in length, with a slightly sprawling habit. Leaves are long, arising from the base of the plant as well as from points along the stems. Flower heads arise from the bases of the leaves, with up to 6 heads at intervals along the stem. These may be several inches long as a compact cluster of flowers, with a long, thin stalk that causes the flower head to droop and point back to the soil.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
Normally not found in situations where they are bothersome, but where control is needed hand removal may be effective, or a systemic herbicide applied prior to maturation of the seeds.
