Liatris spicata, the dense blazing star, prairie feather, gayfeather or button snakewort, is a perennial flowering plant that is native to eastern North America where it grows in prairies and meadows. The plants have tall spikes of purple flowers resembling bottle brushes or feathers. It is native to areas stretching from the Midwest to the East Coast, eastern and western Canada.

Liatris spicata is a garden flower in many countries around the world, grown for its showy purple flowers. Full sun is best and well-drained soil is preferred to prevent rot, though the plants do prefer moist soil. The plants can tolerant some shade as well as drought but need regular watering during the first growing season to build strong roots.

In gardens, Liatris spicata works well planted individually, as a border, and because of its vertical form, it contrasts well with mounded and broad-leaf plants. In informal gardens, large sweeps of plantings work well.

The flowers either fresh or dried work well as cut flowers and have a vanilla scent when dried.

Liatris spicata is excellent for attracting pollinators and beneficial insects.

Type: Hardy perennial

Hardiness zones: 3-8

Height: 100cm, 39"

Location: Sun or part sun

Seeds per packet: 20 (previously 10)