Liatris, also known as blazing star or gayfeather, is a long-blooming perennial wildflower. It has highly unusual flower heads featuring tiny and colorful star-like blossoms arranged around a long upright bottlebrush spire. Gayfeather (Liatris spicata) is a flowering perennial plant with tall spikes of showy purple or white flowers.

Understanding the Context

Also called blazing star or prairie star, Liatris spicata grows in clumps and prefers moist, marshy ground. Liatris spicata, commonly called blazing star or gayfeather, is one of those perennials that instantly makes a border feel more alive. Tall, fluffy, vertical flower spikes rise out of narrow, grass-like foliage and line up in neat ranks, like purple wands glowing above the garden. Learn how to grow and care for liatris, also called blazing star or gayfeather, a native perennial prized for pollinators and summer color.

Key Insights

Liatris spicata, the dense blazing star, prairie feather, gayfeather[1] or button snakewort, [2] is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to eastern North America [3] where it grows in moist prairies and meadows. By planting native species, such as L. spicata. Commonly called blazing star, gayfeather, or prairie star, L.

Final Thoughts

spicata is a versatile North American plant with plenty of ornamental allure. How to Grow and Care for Liatris (Blazing Star) - The Spruce Gayfeather has narrow grass-like leaves growing upright from the ground, and it has a strong taproot. Sometimes it produces annually, but typically, it’s a perennial.