Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Native Species Spotlight: Dense Gayfeather (Liatris spicata)

A wonderful addition to any wildflower or butterfly garden is the Dense Gayfeather. Despite its delicate appearance up close, this species is remarkably hardy. It can withstand extreme heat and periods of drought as well as cooler temperatures and abundant rain, making it ideal for the beginning gardener. Gayfeather also is irresistible to bees and butterflies. Dense gayfeather blooms through fall and summer, sending up multiple stalks loaded with tiny purple-pink flower heads. Individual stalks can reach 3 feet in height, which makes it an ideal backdrop for native grasses and other wildflowers. It can be readily grown from seed and is easily propagated by the home gardener.

This species of liatris grows best in full sun and requires no supplemental water after establishment.




(Native- FAC)