Tall Gayfeather (Liastris aspera)

JULY-SEPTEMBER

Tall Gayfeather Liastris aspera Michx. (COMPOSITE FAMILY)

Tall gayfeather is an erect perennial 2-4 ft tall, glabrous throughout, arising from a well-developed corm. The alternate leaves are numerous, rough, and linear. The inflorescence is a spike of rayless purple to lavender heads. The involucral bracts are inrolled at the edges and have an attractive buttonlike appearance. The achene has a barbellate pappus. If the plant is dried just prior to opening of the flowers, it makes an attractive addition to dried arrangements.