I was traveling back to Michigan from Chicago and stopped at an Indiana turist info spot. The building was landscaped with natives, including a gorgeous purple flower. The blooms were flat clusters of fuzzy flowers without well defined centers. I thought it might be Iron weed, but the color wasn't what I've seen in pictures for that plant. I've since seen a few of these on the side of the highway here in Michigan (probably soon-to-be-mowed), but they were in construction zones in heavy traffic along I-196. They seem to be sand/sun loving plants, and the ranger at the info center said the Monarchs have been all over them (though he couldn't find them in his wildflower book and didn't know their name). The leaves are elongated and tapered at the end. From a distance they are shaped like a milkweed. Any ideas? I'll see if I can find my wildflower book. They are so beautiful! The purple is that deep rich color you see in New England Asters and the invasive Purple Loosestrife.

Martha