| Common Name: |
Gayfeather |
| Scientific Name: |
Liatris spicata |
| Other Name(s): |
Aka Marsh Blazing Star, Blazing Star, Dense Blazing Star, Dense Gayfeather, Button Snakewort, Button Snakeroot, Prairie Gayfeather |
| Category: |
Herb/Forb |
| Habit: |
Herbaceous perennial |
| Bloom Color: |
Red-purple |
| Bloom Size: |
3/4 in. |
| Bloom Shape: |
Terminal spikes (6-12 in. long) of sessile, rounded, fluffy appearing atop rigid, erect, leafy flower stalk |
| Bloom Season: |
Late summer to fall |
| Foliage Description: |
One or more stalks arise from a basal tuft of narrow, grass-like, medium green leaves (to 12 in. long). Stem leaves gradually decrease in size toward the top |
| Height of Plant: |
2-4 ft. |
| Spread of Plant: |
1-1 1/2 ft. |
| Hardiness: |
USDA Zones 3 - 9 |
| Light Requirements: |
Full sun to part shade |
| Water Usage: |
Medium |
| Moisture Requirement(s): |
Moist |
| Soil Type: |
Average soils; tolerant of harsh growing conditions such as poor soil, heat, humidity and drought |
| Soil pH: |
Acidic soil |
| Native Range: |
Moist open woods; mesic prairies; marsh edges |
| Usage: |
Attracts birds, hummingbirds, Special value to native bees & bumble bees |
| Propagation: |
Division |
| Maintenance: |
Low |
| Photographer: |
Debi Bradford |
| Location: |
Native Plant Garden |