Liatris aspera, also known as Gayfeather, forms clumps of coarse, grass-like leaves and produces tall spikes of 1" lavender, tassel-like flowers in summer. Liatris aspera is long blooming and will re-bloom if cut back. Coarser in texture than Liatris spicata, it is equally attractive to pollinators, including several types of butterflies and bees. The seeds are a real treat for goldfinches. A perennial native to the central and eastern United States, upward into Canada, Liatris aspera is commonly found in dryish soils of prairies, open woods, and meadows, as well as on roadsides and along railroad tracks. Sometimes called Rough Blazing Star or Button Blazing Star, it is a wonderful plant for meadows, pollinator gardens, and other naturalistic plantings. Liatris aspera prefers full sun and dry to medium moisture soils that are well-drained. Gayfeather will tolerate poor, rocky, shallow soil. Liatris are interesting in that their bloom stalks open from the top down. Most are nice for cutting.
