Hello! Thank you for your time with my question. I was recently hiking and noticed a plant in a meadow that stood out based on its color. After observing and taking pictures, I believe it is Vernonia gigantea | Giant Ironweed, but it had quite a bit of red in its leaves. You can see all the pictures I took here: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/169106359 There were similar plants within 10 feet or so that had regular green leaves. Pictures of them can be seen here: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/169108063 I am wondering if you can help me understand why this plant has red in its leaves? I could not find any other photos of this species with red leaves nor identify any pathogens that presented this way. The entire plant seemed to be affected, so I don't expect it is a chance/sport mutation. It appeared that at least one of the first true leaves was almost entirely dark red and the second set have perpendicular cuts that lead to me to believe the plant was at that height when they last mowed. While I would like to think this is evidence of a genetic adaptation that allows the plant to create anthocyanin, the evidence of leaf curl in some of the upper leaves makes me suspect it may be a virus or other pathogen. Thank you so much!