Liatris spicata (‘Kobold’ Gayfeather or Dense Blazing Star)
Gayfeather
Latin Name: Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’
Mature Height: 18-24”
Mature Spread: 12-18”
Hardy To: 8,500’
Water: Low
Exposure: Sun
Flower Color: Lavender-Purple
Flower Season: Mid to Late Summer
Attracts: Butterflies, Bees
Description: This slow-to-establish beauty is worth the wait. The Kobold variety of the Native Gayfeather showcases smaller, more compact stalks than the native species. Yet, what it lacks in height it makes up for with its long-lasting and glorious blooms. Due to its more compact nature, this variety does not need to be staked and is ideal for meadow gardens and home gardens. It is especially eye-catching along perennial borders. Its bright rosy, lavender wands shine in the late season to be what is said by many garden- ers as the best butterfly attracting plant of all time. With its exten- sive root system, Gayfeather does well in dry, coarse soils. Native
to the central plains of the United States, Gayfeather can be found blooming despite true drought and has been documented to
live for decades! It also makes an excellent cut flower. If cut in the beginning of its bloom, it will retain its color and make an excellent addition to a dried flower bouquet.
Care: Needs consistently moist, light, well-drained soil and full sun. Divide clumps in spring when necessary.
Fun Fact: Liatris belongs to the Aster family with each flower head having only fluffy disk flowers instead of ray flowers.
GIAB (different handout)
Purple Gayfeather
Latin Name: Liatris spicata ‘Floristan Violet’ Mature Height: 2-3’
Mature Spread: 18-24”
Hardy To: 8,500’
Water: Low
Exposure: Sun
Flower Color: Violet-Purple
Flower Season: Summer
Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Resistant To: Deer
Description: Gayfeather has been referred to by many as the best butterfly attracting plant of all time and is frequently adorned with blissful butterflies. Its stunning and long-lasting purple blooms shine and dance like prairie wands throughout the late summer and into early fall. It will add a delicate texture to any landscape, and it is tremendously impactful when planted in groupings. With its extensive root system, Gayfeather does well in dry, coarse soils. Native to the central plains of the United States, Gayfeather can be found blooming despite true drought and has been documented to live for decades!
Care: Clean-up in spring. Leave seed-heads for winter foragers. A bushier plant will form if it is cut back during the growing season. Will self-seed, but not aggressively. To limit volunteers, cut the stalks to the ground after the bloom fades. Stems can be staked to keep the flower spikes from falling over. Keeping the plant dry in July and August can sometimes prevent it from falling over as well. Mature clumps can be divided in late fall to early spring by separat- ing the corms (underground storage organs of the plant that look like bulbs) with a sharp knife. Water thoroughly after division.
Fun Fact: It makes an excellent cut flower. If cut in the beginning of its bloom, it will retain its color and make an excellent addition to a dried flower bouquet.
HPEC - got some from HPEC Spring 2023 for my garden.
Height x Width - 4 x 1.5 ft.
Water Requirements – medium to moist
Exposure – Full to part sun
Flower Color - Pink/Purple
Bloom - Summer
Wildlife Value - Bumblees, & Butterflies
Native range - East to central US
Native habitat- Mesic to moist prairie
