Etymology: Liatris: meaning lost in antiquity
Plants: erect, perennial, 2'-4' tall forb; leafy stems hairy to inflorescence
Leaves: alternate, linear, up to 1/2" wide
Flowers: head 1/2" wide with 5-7 pink flowers, bracts (phyllaries) tapering to pointed, spreading tips; inflorescence with many stalkless heads in a dense spike; blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: dry seed on fluffy pappus
Habitat: full sun; moderate moisture to wet; meadows, prairies; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7, Wetland Indicator = FAC- 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 USGS - Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key