Liatris spicata

The largest to the gayfeathers, but is sometimes confused with Liatris pycnostachya. It can be distinguished by its size and hairless stems and leaves while the foliage of Liatris pycnostachya is hairy.

The rootstock is a corm when young that turns more taproot-like at matutity. This rootstock can be divided for propagation. Seed germination is improved by cold/moist stratification (Steffen 1997).

Acceptable to cattle as forage.

Found commonly on moist or marshy sites throughout most of the eastern United States. It ranges from the Gulf of Mexico to Ontario.

Wet meadows, and other moist wet places.