Liatris gay feather
Liatris
Overview of Liatris
Blazing Star or gayfeather (Liatris spp.) is a native perennial producing tall spikes of bright purple bottlebrushes above tufts of green, grass-like leaves in late summer. Depending on the species, the clump-forming plant arises from a corm, rhizome or elongated root crown. Small purple flowers open from the uppermost to bottom on spikes, unlike most plants whose flowers reveal from the bottom upward as spikes develop. Depending on the species or variety and environmental conditions, flower spike height varies from 1 to 5 feet, generally staying very upright and needing no staking, unless grown in very fertile, moist soil. The finely textured foliage stays attractive all summer and turns a rich bronze in tumble.
Liatris is in the family Asteraceae. Individual flower blooms own no rays like the representative daisy flower in this collective, only fluffy disk flowers that supposedly resemble blazing stars. The genus Liatris is a taxonomically complex group of about 32 species that occur in almost every U.S. state east of the Rocky Mountains and extending into
Spiky Liatris Spicata &#; Prairie Gay Feather Spices up the Garden
Though I own been unlucky growing Liatris in my own garden (apparently, young plants are a rare delicacy, voraciously enjoyed by New England woodchucks), I have successfully placed Liatris spicata in many of my client&#;s gardens. It is my go-to plant for a planting design that needs a minuscule excitement and something to draw the eye up. Its flashy vertical spires (the horticulturalists among us might call them terminal spikes) of deep purple flower heads are an antidote to a mix that needs just that bit of jazz.
Why plant Liatris?
Liatris spicata, commonly famous as dense blazing star or gayfeather, is a striking perennial that adds vertical interest and vibrant color to garden landscapes. These North American native plants are well-adapted to a variety of settings, thriving particularly in hardiness zones 3 through 8. Ideal for most temperate regions across the Combined States, Liatris spicata flourishes in prairies and open woodlands, making it a versatile option for diverse gard
Liatris spicata
Marsh blazing luminary, in the Asteraceae (daisy or aster) family, is a clump-forming perennial that typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall. It is native to the eastern United States and is most often found in moist areas or growing in meadows. In NC it is found in the coastal and Piedmont areas. The tall spikes of flowers bloom from the top down, are showy and attract pollinators. The foliage is grass-like and grows in clumps.
This low-maintenance plant prefers average to moist, well-drained soils that range from acidic to neutral in pH. It grows well in full sun to partial shade and also tolerates summer heat and humidity. This particular species does better in moist soils than some other blazing stars. The plant has corms with shallow fibrous roots and can yield new colonies from its corms, though it most often propagates by seed. Native bees nest in the dead, hollow stems, so gardeners are encouraged to cut back lifeless stems to 12 to 24 inches and allow them to remain standing until they disintegrate on their have. Read more about best practices
Brundage, Stephanie
Liatris spicata
Liatris spicata (L.) Willd.
Dense Blazing Celebrity, Dense Gayfeather, Dense Liatris, Marsh Blazing Star, Marsh Gayfeather, Marsh Liatris
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: lisp
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN (N)
Dense gayfeather or marsh blazing star is an erect, slender perennial reaching a height of ft. The linear, grass-like leaves are clumped toward the base of the plant, but extend up the stem to the showy flower cluster. A tall spike of rayless, rose-purple (sometimes white), closely set flower heads. The purple, tufted flower heads are arranged in a long, dense spike blooming from the top down.
The species designate describes the elongated inflorescence, with its crowded, stalkless flower heads. The protruding styles give the blossom an overall feathery appearance, hence its alternate label, Dense Gayfeather.
Plant Characteristics
Duration:PerennialHabit:Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 6 feet tall.
Leaf: Green
Fruit:Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is