Rough Gayfeather
Liatris aspera
Rose-purple buttons spaced along open spikes in late summer. Thrives in dry, sandy soil and draws monarchs and fritillaries heavily.
Typically 1 pint–1 gal · $9–$30 · final price at pickup
- Thu, Aug 138 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Aug 148 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Aug 158 AM – 2 PM
A tall dry-site blazing star with open-spaced flower heads that give a looser, more naturalistic look than dense Liatris spicata, perfect for sandy meadow edges.
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.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown rough gayfeather propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Dry
- Mature size
- 2–4 ft · 12–18 in wide
- Bloom time
- August–September
- USDA zones
- 3–8
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native range
- Eastern and central North America. dry prairies, open woods, and sandy soils from Ontario to North Dakota south to Florida and Texas
Care notes for rough gayfeather.
Plant in full sun in dry to average, well-drained soil. Rough Gayfeather is more tolerant of dry, sandy conditions than Liatris spicata and will thrive where other species decline. Leave seed heads for goldfinches through fall and winter. Cut back in early spring. Divide every four to five years if needed to maintain vigor. No staking required in lean, dry soils.
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside rough gayfeather.
Or skip the guesswork.
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