Scientific Name
Liatris spicata
Common Name
Spike gayfeather

Characteristics

Season
summer to fall
Height
18-36 inches
Hardiness
USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9
Flower Color
mauve, pink, white
Soil
well drained
Exposure
full sun to light shade
Propagation
division of tuberous roots in spring, seed
North Carolina Regions
Mountains, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Comments
Liatris is unusual in flowering from the top to the bottom of the spike. It is a beautiful American wildflower which was brought to Europe, popularized as a cut flower and perennial, and then returned to popularity in the USA.
Origin
Eastern USA, North Carolina

Prepared by: orginally by Alice B. Russell, retired Extension Specialist, NC State University
                     maintained and expanded by Erv Evans, Consumer Horticulturist, NC State University

Images: ©Alice B. Russell and Erv Evans

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