Liatris squarrosa aka Scaly Blazing Star

Liatris squarrosa, also known as the scaly blazingstar, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to eastern and central North America, with the majority of populations found in the Southeastern United States. This somewhat conservative species is commonly found in dry or rocky areas of native prairie and savanna vegetation, as well as upland woodlands. It grows from corms and can reach heights of 1 to 3 feet. The plant has small linear leaves and produces spikey purple flowerheads that bloom from late summer into the fall. It attracts a variety of pollinators such as hummingbirds, moths, and butterflies. Liatris squarrosa is divided into distinct varieties which are sometimes treated as separate species. These include Liatris squarrosa var. glabrata, which has hairless stems and is found in the Great Plains, and Liatris squarrosa var. squarrosa, which has pubescent stems and is found in the eastern United States.