Etymology: Liatris: meaning lost in antiquity
Plants: erect, perennial, 2'- 6 1/2' tall forb; leafy stems usually smooth
Leaves: alternate, linear, up to 3/4" wide
Flowers: head 1/2" wide with 6-10 pink disk flowers, bracts (phyllaries) rounded with spreading tips; inflorescence with many stalkless heads in dense spikes; blooms Aug.-Sept.
Fruits: dry seed on fluffy pappus
Habitat: full sun; moderate moisture to moist; prairies, meadows; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Special Concern

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 8, Wetland Indicator = FAC WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin listed species including state and federal status, photos, etc. 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 USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. 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 Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"