Liatris ligulistylis aka Northern Plains Gayfeather

Liatris ligulistylis is a perennial in the aster family. Common names include meadow blazing star and Rocky Mountain gayfeather. Its native range spans central and west-central North America. It extends from Alberta south to New Mexico, and east to Wisconsin and Missouri. Wild plants grow in prairies, rocky woods, and stony slopes. They also grow in gravel beside streams. This species forms upright clumps and grows from corms.

Garden plants often reach 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m) tall. Clumps can spread to 2 feet (0.61 m) wide. Rich soil can produce taller stems that need support. Chicago Botanic Garden reports a height of 6 feet (1.83 m). Straight green stems carry white hairs and narrow green leaves. Leaves cluster at the base, then alternate along the stems. Lower leaves have stalks and broaden toward their tips. Upper leaves are thin and attach without stalks. Pale midribs mark the leaves, which also bear white hairs. Leaves can reach 0.5 feet (0.15 m) long.

Pinkish-purple flower heads form a loose raceme near each stem's top. Each rounded head holds many small, tubular disc flowers. Spoon-shaped bracts surround them, while long styles give a fluffy look. The heads resemble small thistles. Bloom falls in late summer and early autumn. Chicago lists a wider season, from July through October. Small dry fruits, called cypselae, follow the flowers. Each has a crown of barbed hairs. Birds visit for seeds; butterflies and hummingbirds visit the flowers.

Grow this plant in full sun and soil that drains well. It suits dry to moderately moist ground. Sandy or rocky soil suits it well, including poorer ground. It also grows in loam and prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Avoid soil that stays wet through winter. Plants tolerate drought, summer heat, and humid weather. Sources place it in USDA zones 3–8. Growth is moderate, and routine care needs are low. Seed-grown plants take time to establish. Division of the corms offers another way to raise plants.

Use clumps to add height among lower border plants. Groups also fit prairie plantings, cottage gardens, and native gardens. Its tolerance of stony ground makes it useful in rock gardens. The flowers suit cutting and add late-season color. Serious pest and disease problems are not reported. Thrips may occur, so watch for them. The supplied sources give no food uses or toxicity assessment.