Marcus, Joseph A.
Liatris mucronata DC.
Cusp gayfeather, Gayfeather, Blazing star, Narrow-leaf gayfeather, Texas gayfeather, Cusp blazing star
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
This perennial’s stiff, upright, unbranched stems, 1-3 ft. tall, grow in wide-spreading clumps. The tufted, purple flowers are densely congested in a long
spike on the upper part of the stem. The leaves are narrow and crowded, becoming progressively smaller upward.
Liatris species attract butterflies.
Image Gallery:
35 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Leaf Retention: Deciduous Flower: Flowers in 4 inch spires
Fruit: Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov , Dec
Distribution
USA: AR , KS , MO , OK , TX
Native Distribution: C. Great Plains, s. to TX & adjacent Mex.
Native Habitat: Open fields & woods; calcareous uplands
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Calcareous, rocky soils. Gravelly, Sandy, Limestone-based
Conditions Comments: Narrowleaf gayfeather likes a dry to medium soil in full sun. Too much water will leads to root rot. Will self seed in a sandy soil. Tolerant of alkaline soils.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Perennial garden, Rocky hillside, Rock gardens
Use Wildlife: Liatris spp. attract butterflies.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: Minimal
2011-10-05
