Liatris punctata aka Dotted Gayfeather

Liatris punctata belongs to the aster family, Asteraceae. It is a perennial: it lives for more than one season. Gardeners call it dotted blazing star or dotted gayfeather. Other names include snakeroot and Mexican blazing star. Nebraska blazing star is one more name for it. Its native range spans western and central Canada to northeastern Mexico. It grows in many parts of the United States. Its native sites include dry prairies and plains. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This plant grows about 2 feet [0.6 metres] tall. It comes back each year rather than living just one season. It blooms from August to September. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees pollinate the blooms, and the plant draws wildlife. The late blooms give bees food near summer’s end. Seeds ripen in October, after the blooms have gone.

Grow it in sun or light shade with good drainage. Sandy or loamy soil suits it, even with few nutrients. Light soil with a fair level of nutrients also suits it. It grows in slightly acid, neutral, or slightly alkaline soil. Soil can be dry or moist, but winter wet brings risks. Roots can rot if soil stays wet through winter. Chicago Botanic Garden lists it for USDA zones 3–9. Planting sites include garden beds and sunny woodland edges.

Rodents eat its tubers, which grow below ground. Plants may thus need protection. Grow new plants from seed or divide them in spring. Sow fresh seed in a greenhouse in autumn. Sow stored seed early in the year. Move young seedlings to their own pots when large enough. Keep them in the greenhouse for their first year. Plant them in their lasting garden spots in early summer. Large clumps split in spring can go straight into the ground. Give smaller ones time in a cold frame. Plant them out once they have sound roots.

Plants For A Future lists roots as edible raw or cooked. It says spring roots taste sweet when baked. It also notes past use of roots as medicine. People made remedies for stomach, bladder, and skin complaints. They also put boiled-root poultices on swollen areas. These records show past use, not proof of safe treatment. The source lists no known hazards or weed concern. This does not prove safety for pets or every person.