Liatris aspera (known as rough blazing star,[1][2] button blazing star,[3] lacerate blazing star,[4] tall prairie blazing star,[2] or tall gayfeather[5]) is a perennial wildflower in the Asteraceae family that is found in central to eastern North America in habitats that range from mesic to dry prairie and dry savanna.
Liatris aspera is a perennial herb[6] that grows as a single, erect, unbranched stem 30 to 180 cm (1 to 6 feet) high.[7] Leaves are numerous on the stem, alternate, and narrowly lanceolate with the lower leaves larger, up to 38 centimetres (15 in) long and 1 inch (3 cm) wide, becoming smaller and narrower higher on the plant.[1]
The inflorescence is an erect raceme with numerous, purple, button-like flower heads, short-stalked or stalkless, blooming from the top down. It flowers from mid-August through October, with seed becoming ripe in October to November.[6]
This plant is native to the United States from Texas to the west and New York to the east. It is also native to Ontario in Canada.[8] It grows in prairies, glades, and savannas, and along roadsides and railroads.[9]
It attracts birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies.[6]
Flowers from above, some not yet blooming.
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Monarch butterfly on Liatris aspera, North Dakota, USA.
Liatris aspera (known as rough blazing star, button blazing star, lacerate blazing star, tall prairie blazing star, or tall gayfeather) is a perennial wildflower in the Asteraceae family that is found in central to eastern North America in habitats that range from mesic to dry prairie and dry savanna.
