Rough Gayfeather

Liatris aspera

Rough Gayfeather is a larger-headed, more loosely spaced blazing star that gives a somewhat different effect than the dense-spiked Liatris spicata. the individual rose-purple button-like flower heads are spaced along the stem with slight gaps between them, creating a more open, informal look. This spacing makes each flower head more visible individually, and pollinators seem to appreciate the easy access. Monarchs and fritillaries use it heavily in late summer. It thrives in dry, sandy, or rocky soil and is one of the tougher Liatris species for challenging sites. The rough, hairy texture of the stems and leaves gives it its common name. A tall, vigorous plant that naturalizes readily in sunny, dry meadows and makes a strong vertical element in the mid to back border through late summer.