WSU Clark County Extension
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Gay Feather

Scientific name: Liatris spicata 'Kobold'
Taxonomy
Family:Asteraceae
Type:Bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:3 to 9
Sun:Full to partial sun
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:4 ft
Width:1 ft
Bloom:Summer flowers
Bloom Time:July to August
Bloom Color:Purple
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Home gardeners love the tall flowering stalks of Gay Feather whose purple flowers resemble its alternative name of Blazing Star.

  Morphology:
As a east coast prairie native, Gay Feather is derived from corms which grow tall (2’-4’) rigid flowering stalks bearing fuzzy purple flowers. The first flowers to open are those on the ends of the shoots. The base of the plant is grass-like with narrow alternate leaves. Flowers first appear in July and last for 3-4 weeks into August. Both butterflies and bees are readily attracted the flowers. Florists like Gay Feather for use in bouquets.

  Adaptation:
Blazing Star prefers full sunlight to mid-day and then partial shade there-after. It does best on a well-drained site with some summer irrigation.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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