A native prairie perennial with tall spikes of magenta-purple flowers that bloom from the top down — opposite of most spiked flowers. Critical late-summer nectar source for monarchs and other migrating butterflies.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Liatris spicata, the dense blazing star, prairie feather, gayfeather or button snakewort, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to eastern North America where it grows in moist prairies and meadows.
Source: Wikipedia — Liatris spicata Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Tall plant with grass-like leaves and dense magenta-purple flower spike that opens from top down (unusual).
Similar species. Other Liatris species (different sizes, ranges).
Voice. N/A
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. N/A — photosynthesis
Behavior. Late-summer wildflower with brilliant magenta-purple flower spikes. Critical late-season nectar source for monarchs and bumble bees.
§ Range
Eastern US, especially central plains
§ Habitat
Prairies, wet meadows, ditches
§ Threats
Prairie loss, garden monocultures, deer browsing.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the dense blazing star is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Plant native blazing star. Don't cut back stems in fall (winter cover and food).
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Liatris spicata
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Liatris spicata
- iNaturalist · taxon 59330
- IUCN Red List — search for Liatris spicata
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Liatris spicata
§ Sources cited
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- Xerces Society
- USDA Plants Database
