Dotted gayfeather (Liatris punctata, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 306 (1833))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Hook.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 306 (1833)

Year: 1833

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Liatris

Vegetable: False

Observations: WC. & C. Canada to NE. Mexico

Description

Dotted gayfeather, scientifically known as Liatris punctata, is a striking plant that catches the eye with its vibrant purple flower spikes. This plant belongs to the Asteraceae family, a diverse group known for its ornamental and ecological significance.

Liatris punctata was first documented by Hook. in “Flora Boreali-Americana” (Fl. Bor.-Amer.) 1: 306, 1833. Since then, it has been widely recognized for its beauty and adaptability. The plant thrives across a vast range covering western and central Canada, stretching all the way down to northeastern Mexico. This extensive distribution highlights its ability to endure various climates and soil conditions.

Dotted gayfeather grows particularly well in prairies, rocky slopes, and open woodlands. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically stands between 1 to 3 feet tall. Its height is adorned with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that diminish in size as they ascend the stem. The most distinctive feature of Liatris punctata is its inflorescence: dense, spike-like clusters of purple flowers. These flowers bloom sequentially from the top downwards, providing a prolonged display of color that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

This plant is not only a favorite in wildflower meadows and native plant gardens, but it also plays a significant role in ecosystems. Its deep root system helps prevent soil erosion and improves soil health by mitigating compaction and increasing aeration. Moreover, the dotted gayfeather is highly drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and other water-conserving landscaping practices.

In addition to its ecological benefits, Liatris punctata has been used in traditional practices by various Indigenous communities. While primarily valued for its ornamental appeal, historical accounts suggest it may also have been used in herbal remedies.

Overall, Liatris punctata, or the dotted gayfeather, is a resilient and captivating plant that offers both ecological benefits and aesthetic pleasure. Whether gracing a natural landscape or a carefully curated garden, its presence is sure to enhance the biodiversity and visual appeal of any environment.

Common Names

Deu: herbst-prachtscharte
Eng: plains gayfeather, dotted blazing star, dotted gayfeather, snakeroot, dotted blazing-star, plains blazing-star
Fra: liatris ponctué
En: Dotted gayfeather, Plains gayfeather, Snakeroot, Dotted blazing star, Dotted blazing-star, Plains blazing-star
Fr: Liatris ponctué
De: Herbst-Prachtscharte

Synonyms

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Texas (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Rena Woode (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2019 by Ryan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2020 by camille marsac (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2021 by Terri Buttleman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2021 by Terri Buttleman (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 16, 2019 by Anne anchovy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2019 by JonShan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2019 by Janine Hawkins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2021 by Terri Buttleman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2019 by Amy Amy (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Jul 13, 2015 by EOL − Christine (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 14, 2015 by EOL − easmith2 (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 30, 2015 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 30, 2015 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 4, 2020 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3104349)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:230622-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Liatris punctata Hook.)

Specifications

Growth form: Multiple Stem

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth rate: Slow

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.8

Ph minimum: 6.0