Also known as dotted blazingstar and narrow-leaves blazingstar, this herbaceous perennial is native to the central plains of the US from Canada to northern Mexico. It is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow, and lettuce. Plants grow from a tap root up to 16′ long and produce one or more erect unbranched stems 12-24″ tall. The stems carry densely packed, narrow, grass-like leaves that have short white hairs on the margins and are covered with dots of resin. The leaves are up to 4′ long at the base of the plant, getting smaller as they ascend. In summer, 6-20″ long terminal spikes of pink, purple or white flowerheads appear on each stem. Each flowerhead consists of 3-8 star-shaped disc flowers 3/4″ long and is surrounded by a involucre of green to purplish bracts . Unlike most spikes, the flowers open from top to bottom. Dotted gayfeather is long lived and with its deep tap root up to 16′ long is very drought resistant. In addition, it is fire tolerant and can resprout from its rhizomes. Plants are attractive in mixed border and the flowering stems are good in both fresh and dried arrangements. A good choice for a xeriscape as well as meadow, native plant, wildflower, and cutting gardens. The genus name, Liatris, is of unknown origin. The specific epithet, punctata, comes from the Latin word punctus, meaning little hole or point and refers to the dots of resin on the leaves.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Spikes of white, pink, or purple flowerheads in summer
Size: 12-24″ H x 8-12″ W
Light: Full sun, tolerates some shade
Soil: Average, dry to moderately moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 4-10
Care: Low maintence
Pests and Diseases: Generally healthy but susceptible to leaf spot, rust, powdery mildew
Propagation: Seed, division of rhizomes
Companion Plants: Zinnia, purple coneflower, Agastache rupestris
Photo Credit:Wikipedia
Karen Meyers