Liatris spicata
Liatris spicata is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the aster family (Asteraceae), commonly called dense blazing star or gayfeather.
Liatris spicata is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the aster family (Asteraceae), commonly called dense blazing star or gayfeather. It is native to eastern North America and is known for tall spikes of purple flowers that bloom in summer. It is also widely grown as an ornamental plant and can be an important nectar source for pollinators.
Description
Liatris spicata is a clump-forming perennial with narrow, grass-like basal leaves and tall flowering stems. Flower heads are arranged in dense spikes that give the plant a feathery or bottlebrush appearance. The flowers open from the top of the spike downward.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to eastern North America and occurs in moist prairies, meadows, bogs, seepages, marshes, and other wet open habitats. Sources also note its presence in parts of Canada, including Ontario.
Cultivation and uses
Liatris spicata is grown as an ornamental perennial in gardens and native plant landscapes. It is valued for its showy summer flowers and its appeal to pollinators and songbirds.
Taxonomy
Liatris spicata belongs to the genus Liatris in the family Asteraceae. Botanical sources list the accepted name as Liatris spicata (L.) Willd., published in 1803.
Key facts
- The species produces upright spikes of purple to reddish-purple flower heads.
- Its flowers are arranged in a dense, bottlebrush-like spike that opens from the top downward.
- It is native to eastern North America, including parts of Canada and the United States.
- It grows best in moist, sunny habitats such as wet meadows and prairie margins.
- The plant is cultivated in gardens and used in wildflower plantings.
Liatris spicata is native to parts of Canada, including southern Ontario, where it is noted as threatened in some references. It is also of interest to Canadian gardeners and pollinator habitat plantings.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liatris_spicataSupports: Common names, plant type, native range, height, and general description.
- Native Plant Network / Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center — https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=lispSupports: Morphology, habitat, flowering habit, and pollinator value.
- Missouri Botanical Garden — https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d780Supports: Growth habit, size, bloom period, habitat, and cultivated use.
- University of Wisconsin Extension — https://www.wisconsinhorticulture.com/articles/liatris/Supports: Genus context, cultivation, hardiness, flowering period, and species distribution.
- International Plant Names Index — https://www.ipni.org/n/230634-1Supports: Accepted botanical name and author citation.
- Canadian Wildlife Federation — https://www.cwf-fcf.org/en/resources/encyclopedias/flora/liatris.htmlSupports: Canadian occurrence and threatened status in Ontario.