Liatris aspera | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Asterales |
Family: | Asteraceae |
Genus: | Liatris |
Species: | L. aspera
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Binomial name | |
Liatris aspera |
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]