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Dense Blazing Star
Liatris spicata
33.99, -84.57
Field Notes
Description:
An unusual habit of Liatris is that its spikes of flowers bloom from the top down (whereas most spike-shape flowers bloom from closest to the root ball to the extremities.) Dense Blazing Star is most likely to be found flowering in July thru September, and most of the flowers were spent on this specimen when I saw it, which is why I chose blooms closer to the ground for close-ups. There are two varieties: var. resinosa and var. spicata. Var. resinosa is found in the coastal plains of the southeast, and is differentiated primarily by narrower leaves than in var. spicata, and more abrupt change from relatively wider leaves in the lower have of the stem to nearly linear, bractlike leaves in the upper stem. I'm pretty sure this is var. spicata.
Habitat:
Native throughout most of eastern North America.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WI, WV
Found in a variety of habitats where it can receive full sun or perhaps a bit of shade. It is tolerant of a range of soil and moisture conditions, but probably most commonly seen on road margins.
Notes:
Spotted growing on a wooded drive near an old church and cemetery and a utility plant.
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