Liatris aspera Michx.

Rough Blazing Star; Tall Gayfeather

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Rough Blazing Star is a native herbaceous perennial in the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). It can be found in central and northern Alabama. Rough Blazing Star occurs in prairies, on limestone outcrops, in oak-pine woodlands, along fence rows, and on roadsides. It is a perennial from a globose corm. Stems are 2-4 feet in height, unbranched, green or reddish in color, and pubescent with short stiff hairs. The leaves are basal and cauline. The basal leaves are larger than the stem leaves and may be withered before flowering. The leaves are petiolate, alternate, oblanceolate to elliptic or spatulate in outline, gland dotted, and pubescent to glabrous. The leaves are reduced in size upwards on the stem. The flowers are produced in heads. The heads are arranged in spike-like arrays. The heads are on short peduncles. The phyllaries are obovate with lacerate margins. The phyllaries are bullate (swollen with a blistered appearance) and usually have a pinkish color with a white or translucent rounded margin. Each head has 18-24 purple disc flowers. The heads flower from the top of the inflorescence towards the base. The fruit is an achene with barbellate pappus. Rough Blazing Star is available as plants or seed from some wildflower nurseries. In prefers a well-draining soil in full sun. Plants may have to be staked to prevent them from falling over.--A. Diamond

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Native

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