About Liatris aspera Michx.
Liatris aspera Michx. is a perennial herb that grows a single, erect, unbranched stem between 30 cm and 180 cm (1 to 6 feet) tall. It has numerous alternate, narrowly lanceolate leaves arranged along its stem. Lower leaves are the largest, reaching up to 38 centimetres (15 inches) long and 3 cm (1 inch) wide, while leaves become smaller and narrower the higher they grow on the plant. Its inflorescence is an erect raceme holding numerous purple, button-like flower heads that are either short-stalked or stalkless. Blooms open starting from the top of the inflorescence and move downward. This species flowers from mid-August through October, and its seeds ripen between October and November. It is native to the United States, where its range extends from Texas in the west to New York in the east, and is also native to Ontario, Canada. It grows in prairies, glades, savannas, and alongside roads and railroads. It attracts birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
