Etymology: Liatris: meaning lost in antiquity
Plants: erect, perennial, 3'-5' tall forb; stems usually smooth and with 8-100 leaves below the inflorescence
Leaves: alternate, long, up to 1 1/2" wide, lower leaves long-stalked
Flowers: head with 30-100 pink to purple disk flowers, uppermost head the largest, middle bracts (phyllaries) with wide, irregularly-cut edges; inflorescence with 3 to 10 heads in a spike-like cluster; blooms Aug.-Sept.
Fruits: dry seed on fluffy pappus
Habitat: full sun; moderate moisture to moist; prairies, meadows, streambanks; in loamy soil
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7, Wetland Indicator = NI Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos