rough gayfeather
Liatris aspera
MBG Plant of Merit 2018
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Rough gayfeather (Liatris aspera) is a perennial for borders, cut flowers, pollinator gardens, and meadows. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist soil of most types. Button-like, magenta-purple florets cover the upper part of the stiff, erect stems. Butterflies such as tiger swallowtail, painted lady, and red admiral visit for nectar.
Pairs well with Switchgrass, Standing Ovation little bluestem, Nodding onion, and Red cedar.
Native range
Eastern North America.