Liatris (Gayfeather or Blazingstar)

I've been intrigued by this genus in the area. There are quite a few misidentifications so I thought I'd add a key for the layman. These are the species that are in the area of the project or on the edge of their range. The flower bracts are the green leafy parts that surround the flower clusters. They are also called phyllaries. The following key is for WILD plants. In addition to these, Liatris spicata is often used in landscaping. It resembles L. pycnostachya and L. lancifolia.

Information on the genus from the Flora of North America: https://floranorthamerica.org/Liatris

Layman's Key
Dense flower spikes, narrow leaves, found in dry uplands

• Liatris punctata var. punctata- noticeable dots on leaves

Round headed species with rounded flower bracts

• Liatris aspera - each group of flowers has no stalk
• Liatris ligulistylis - each group of flowers has a stalk

Widely spaced flower clusters with pointed spreading flower bracts, generally found in sandy soil

• Liatris squarrosa var. glabrata - hairless stems
• Liatris hirsutus - hairy stems

Tall thick spiked species found in moist soil

• Liatris pycnostachya var. pycnostachya - recurved flower bracts
• Liatris lancifolia - appressed flower bracts

Appressed flower bracts with a fringe of hairs

• Liatris cylindracea - rare in our area

Flora of North America Links
https://floranorthamerica.org/Liatris_aspera
https://floranorthamerica.org/Liatris_cylindracea
https://floranorthamerica.org/Liatris_hirsuta
https://floranorthamerica.org/Liatris_lancifolia
https://floranorthamerica.org/Liatris_ligulistylis
https://floranorthamerica.org/Liatris_punctata_var._punctata
https://floranorthamerica.org/Liatris_pycnostachya_var._pycnostachya
https://floranorthamerica.org/Liatris_squarrosa_var._glabrata

Publicado el 13 de enero de 2023 por jeffhansen