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Liatris (Liatris spicata), also known as gayfeather or blazing star, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the moist prairies of eastern North America. It stands out for its striking upright spikes of purple flowers, resembling feathers or bottle brushes, much loved both in the garden and as a cut flower.
A member of the Asteraceae family, it grows upright to a height of 60-120 cm (24-47 in) depending on the variety. The leaves are thin and linear, gathered at the base in a grassy tuft.
A botanical quirk: the flowers open from the top of the spike downward, unlike most plants, and it attracts huge numbers of butterflies during summer.
Sow in spring, either in trays or directly outdoors, covering the seeds about 5 mm (0.2 in) deep. A few weeks of cold stratification can improve germination, which takes 15-25 days.
It prefers well-drained soil, in full sun. Once established, it tolerates both moist soil and moderate dry spells well.
Thin plants to 25-30 cm (10-12 in) apart; the underground corms multiply over time, forming ever fuller-flowering clumps year after year.
Avoid poorly drained soil in winter, which can cause corm rot. Taller varieties may benefit from light staking in windy spots.
A hardy, generally resistant plant; the main risk is corm rot in soil that stays too wet during winter dormancy. Foliage pests are rare.
The common name "gayfeather" refers precisely to the feathery look of the flower spikes. It's one of the most requested flowers in cut-flower bouquets for its very long vase life, as well as an excellent nectar source for butterflies and pollinators in naturalistic gardens.